MallowbyNames

Min

min · Of uncertain origin; possibly derived from Korean 민 (min) meaning 'clever' or 'quick', or as a short form of names like Mina or Minna.

Peak popularity
1994
Usually for
Girls & boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Min since 1953

Babies named Min per year in U.S. Social Security records.

713201960198020002020Most births 1994GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1950s50
1960s00
1970s2421
1980s81107
1990s93137
2000s3088
2010s542
2020s50

Meaning & origin

Min is a concise name with multicultural origins. In the U.S., it first appeared in birth records in 1971 and has been used sparingly ever since, with its peak year in 1994 (5 births). The name has remained stable in usage, never cracking the top 1000. While more common for girls, it is occasionally used for boys. Its top states have been too few to identify a regional preference. As a short, versatile name, Min appeals to parents seeking simplicity and cross-cultural resonance.

The name Min has multiple possible origins. In Korean, 민 (min) can mean 'clever' or 'quick', and is used as a single-syllable given name or as an element in compound names. In English, Min often functions as a short form of names such as Mina, Minna, or Wilhelmina, or as a nickname for names starting with 'Min-'. Its use as a standalone given name in English-speaking countries became more common in the late 20th century.

Nicknames & variants

Variants: Minna, Mina, Mena

Sibling names for Min

Names that share Min's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Mia, Lena, Nina, Maya, Lea, Aviendha, Yena, Eun, Kyung, Yun

Brothers: Max, Leo, Finn, Sam, Kai, Sung, Chung, Jung, Kang, Sang, Yoon

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

M is for Min, our favorite little person.

M is for Min…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Min's letter becomes Min's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Min's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Min mean?
The meaning of Min is uncertain, but it may derive from Korean 민 (min) meaning 'clever' or 'quick', or be a short form of names like Mina or Wilhelmina.
Is Min a popular name?
Min has not ranked in the top 1000 U.S. names since records began. It peaked in 1994 with 5 births and has remained stable since.
Is Min a boy or girl name?
Min is used as a unisex name, though it is more commonly given to girls in the U.S.