Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Minerva
GirlLatin· “Roman goddess of wisdom”
- Meaning
- Roman goddess of wisdom
- Origin
- Latin
- Pronunciation
- mih-NUR-vuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #2,112
- US babies 2025
- 89
- Best rank
- #194 (1880)
- Peak year
- 1955
Meaning and origin of Minerva
Minerva is a Latin name that means “Roman goddess of wisdom”.
Minerva was the Roman goddess of wisdom, crafts and strategic war, later identified with the Greek Athena. She formed part of the Capitoline Triad with Jupiter and Juno, and her owl became a lasting symbol of learning. The name is probably built on an old Italic root related to mind, though the exact derivation is still discussed. It was used as a given name in Britain and America during the nineteenth century and has returned as part of the fashion for mythological names. Readers of Harry Potter will also think of Professor Minerva McGonagall. Minnie and Nerva are the classic nicknames.
Popularity over time
Minerva 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 92 different years. Its best national rank was #194 in 1880, and the most babies received it in 1955, when 221 were named Minerva. In 2025, 89 babies were named Minerva, and it ranked #2,112 nationally. That is 74% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #479 in 1920, #716 in 1950, #1,314 in 1980, #2,847 in 2000, #4,086 in 2010, and #2,112 in 2025. Of the 15,823 US girls named Minerva since records began, 12% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 1,738 babies. Since 2010, 1,049 more have been named Minerva.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Madonna, Sheilah, Doretha, Debbra, and Cathrine.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Minerva ranked highest in Arizona, California, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | #1170 | 5 |
| California | #1462 | 16 |
| Texas | #1596 | 15 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Minerva is usually pronounced mih-NUR-vuh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with M and ends in “-va”.
Middle names for Minerva
A few middle names that flow with Minerva: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Minerva
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Lists that include Minerva
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Minerva mean?
Minerva is a Latin name that means “Roman goddess of wisdom”.
What is the origin of the name Minerva?
Minerva has Latin roots. Minerva was the Roman goddess of wisdom, crafts and strategic war, later identified with the Greek Athena.
Is Minerva a popular name?
Not especially. Minerva ranked #2,112 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Minerva a boy or girl name?
Minerva is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Minerva?
Minerva is usually pronounced mih-NUR-vuh. 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