MallowbyNames

Minal

मिनलMIH-nahl · Possibly derived from Sanskrit meaning 'precious stone' or 'sapphire', but the exact meaning is uncertain.

Peak popularity
2023
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Declining since 2022

Declining since 2022.

Popularity of Minal since 1979

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

51015198020002020Most births 2023Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s8
1980s44
1990s5
2000s50
2010s55
2020s38

Meaning & origin

Minal is a name of Sanskrit origin, first recorded in the United States in 1979. It is thought to mean 'precious stone' or 'sapphire', though the etymology remains uncertain. The name experienced a peak in usage in 2023, but has been on a declining trajectory since 2022. Based on data from the 2020s decade, Minal has not seen a revival and its use has been modest. No top states for the name have been reported, indicating it remains relatively rare.

Minal is likely of Sanskrit origin, possibly from the word 'minal' meaning 'precious stone' or 'sapphire'. It is used in India and among Hindu communities as a feminine name. The name has seen a moderate rise in use in the United States since the 1980s, particularly in the 2020s.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Mini, Mina

Variants: Meenal, Minali

Sibling names for Minal

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

Sisters: Anaya, Leela, Priya, Sana, Veda

Brothers: Arjun, Kiran, Neel, Ravi, Sohan

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

M is for Minal, our favorite little girl.

M is for Minal…”

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

Make Minal's book

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Questions parents ask

What does Minal mean?
Minal is believed to mean 'precious stone' or 'sapphire' in Sanskrit, though the exact derivation is uncertain.
How popular is the name Minal?
Minal has been in use in the United States since at least 1979. As of 2025, it peaked in usage in 2023 and has been declining since 2022. Detailed rank data is not available.
Is Minal a boy or girl name?
Minal is primarily used as a girl's name.