Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Inga
GirlOld Norse, Scandinavian· “short form of names with Ing”
- Meaning
- short form of names with Ing
- Origin
- Old Norse, Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- ING-guh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #9,714
- US babies 2025
- 10
- Best rank
- #368 (1889)
- Peak year
- 1969
Meaning and origin of Inga
Inga is an Old Norse and Scandinavian name that is usually said to mean “short form of names with Ing”.
Inga is a Scandinavian short form of names beginning with Ing, such as Ingrid and Ingeborg. Ing was a Germanic god, also known as Yngvi, associated with fertility and peace. The name is common in Scandinavia, Finland and the Baltic countries, and it has been used in America since the nineteenth century. It is said ING-guh, two syllables with the stress on the first. The name is short and strong, with a clear Nordic feel. It suits families with Scandinavian roots or anyone looking for a crisp vintage name.
Popularity over time
Inga has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 33 different years. Its best national rank was #368 in 1889, and the most babies received it in 1969, when 115 were named Inga. In 2025, 10 babies were named Inga, and it ranked #9,714 nationally. That is 54% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,422 in 1920, #3,132 in 1950, #2,053 in 1980, #8,221 in 2000, #7,031 in 2010, and #9,714 in 2025. Of the 4,127 US girls named Inga since records began, 15% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 608 babies. Since 2010, 301 more have been named Inga.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Cristine, Melissia, Lahoma, Sabrena, and Detra.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Inga is usually pronounced ING-guh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with I and ends in “-ga”.
Middle names for Inga
A few middle names that flow with Inga: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Inga
Similar names
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Lists that include Inga
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Inga mean?
Inga is an Old Norse and Scandinavian name that is usually said to mean “short form of names with Ing”.
What is the origin of the name Inga?
Inga has Old Norse and Scandinavian roots. Inga is a Scandinavian short form of names beginning with Ing, such as Ingrid and Ingeborg.
Is Inga a popular name?
Not especially. Inga ranked #9,714 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Inga a boy or girl name?
Inga is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Inga?
Inga is usually pronounced ING-guh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings