Nina
Fact sheet
- Name
- Nina
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 2
The first name Nina has its roots in the veneration of the saint Nino (Georgian ნინო, also known as Christiana of Georgia), who was active as a missionary in Georgia in the 4th century and is considered a national saint there today.
What does the name Nina mean?
The name Nina is mainly attributed to the saint Nino, who was active as a messenger of faith in Georgia in the 4th century. In Slavic countries, such as Russia, she is called Nina and is presumably considered a short form of the Christian name Christiana, which comes from Ancient Greek and means 'the Christian.' In the 19th century, the first name Nina spread in many parts of Europe, especially in Russia and also in Italy, where Nina is a short form of various names ending in '-nina,' such as Annina ('the Graced'), Antonina ('the Valuable'), and Giovannina ('God is gracious'). Sometimes, Nina is also translated from Spanish as 'the little girl,' derived from 'la niña.' In the indigenous languages Quechua and Aymara, spoken in South America, the name also means 'the fire.' Today, Nina is primarily common in German-speaking and Slavic regions. In Germany, the name has been given since the 1960s and was one of the most popular girls' names in the 1980s. In the 1990s, its popularity decreased somewhat, but even today, Nina is still frequently chosen. Notable bearers of the name include the German actress Nina Bott and the singer Nina Hagen. The male counterpart to Nina is Nino.
Where does the name Nina come from?
The name Nina has its origins in Spanish and Aymara with meanings such as 'the little girl' and 'the fire.' Through Ancient Greek, Aymara, Quechua, and Spanish, it is the
How do you pronounce Nina?
The name Nina has a two-syllable and symmetrical sound. In German pronunciation, it is usually pronounced as 'Ni-na' [ˈniːna], with the repetition of the open syllables creating a harmonious flow of sound. The bright sound structure gives the name a certain lightness. Nina conveys a timeless and friendly impression - simple, melodious, and present.
When is the name day of Nina?
The name day for Nina is celebrated on January 14 and October 27 in memory of Saint Nino.
Popularity
In Germany, Nina is one of the most sought-after first names and currently ranks 126th on the list of the most common girls' names. Its highest ranking was in 1983 at 2nd place. In the last ten years, Nina has been given as a first name approximately 6,800 times, placing it 109th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 94th.
Nicknames & pet names
Dino / Ina / LaNina / Naina / Nani / Nena / Ni / Nia / Nichen / Nicki / Nienah / Nike / Nimka / Nin / Ninachen / Ninai / Ninale / Ninamalina / Ninaschka / Ninatschka / Ninche / Ninchen / Nindl / Nindlä / Nine / Ninea / Nineen / Nineli / Ninell / Nineul / Ninex / Nini / Niniane / Ninibini / Ninifee / Ninin / Ninipini / Ninischlawini / Ninja / Ninka / Ninke / Ninl / Ninna / Ninne / Ninner / Ninny / Nino / Ninoe / Ninosaurus / Ninosch / Ninoschka / Ninotchka / Ninotschka / Nins / Ninsch / Ninscha / Ninsche / Ninschen / Ninschgalo / Ninschgi / Ninschgo / Ninschi / Ninschn / Ninse / Ninska / Ninske / Ninski / Nintsch / Nintschi / Ninu / Ninus / Ninusch / Ninushka / Ninuu / Ninzi / Ninzz / Ninä / Nischen / Niäna / Nonna / Nora / Panini / Schnini / Schorti
Similar first names
Ninka
Famous people
- Nina Aigner (* 1980), Austrian football player
- Nina Azizi (host & actress)
- Nina Badric (Croatian singer)
- Nina Blazon (author)
- Nina Bogicevic (basketball player from Serbia)
- Nina Bott (actress)
- Nina Chuba (German singer)
- Nina Dobrev (actress)
- Nina Eichinger (MTV host and jury member of DSDS 2009!)
- Nina Elisabet Persson (singer of the Swedish band The Cardigans)
- Nina Ellen Odegaard (Norwegian actress)
- Nina Flynn (actress in 'Die Pfefferkörner')
- Nina Godiwalla (writer from the USA)
- Nina Gräfin Schenk von Stauffenberg (wife of the Hitler assassin Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg)
- Nina Gummich (actress)
- Nina Hagen (singer)
- Nina Hartmann (Austrian actress and cabaret artist)
- Nina Hoger (actress)
- Nina Hoss (German actress)
- Nina Hunt (British dancer)
Frequently asked questions about the name Nina
What does the name Nina mean?
The name Nina has its origins in Spanish and Aymara and means 'the little girl' as well as 'the fire.' It is also associated with the saint Nino from the 4th century.
How is the name Nina pronounced?
Nina is generally pronounced as 'Nina,' with the 'i' being short and clearly emphasized. The pronunciation is similar in many languages.
What nicknames can be used for Nina?
There are a variety of nicknames for the name Nina, including Ina, Nini, Nins, or Ninchen. These can vary depending on the preferences and creativity of the parents.
In which countries is the name Nina common?
Nina is primarily common in German-speaking regions as well as in Slavic countries like Russia and Italy. The name has also gained traction in other cultures, such as Aymara and Quechua.