Minerva
Minerva is a girl's name of Latin origin.
Meaning
Intellect, mind, or wisdom.
Origin and history
Minerva is a name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman goddess of wisdom, warfare, and handicrafts. It saw moderate use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States and continues to be used as a classic, literary choice today. The name gained renewed cultural awareness through popular fiction, including the Harry Potter series.
Popularity in the United States
15,823 babies in the United States have been named Minerva since 1880. It ranks #1229 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1609.
States where it is most popular
- TX (41.2 %)
- CA (16.5 %)
- NY (16 %)
- PA (8.3 %)
- IL (4.1 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 661 |
| 1890-1900 | 781 |
| 1900-1910 | 828 |
| 1910-1920 | 1,591 |
| 1920-1930 | 1,738 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,248 |
| 1940-1950 | 1,337 |
| 1950-1960 | 1,874 |
| 1960-1970 | 1,585 |
| 1970-1980 | 1,070 |
| 1980-1990 | 837 |
| 1990-2000 | 669 |
| 2000-2010 | 555 |
| 2010-2019 | 557 |
| 2020-2029 | 492 |
Famous people named Minerva
- Minerva Teichert: Artist, Painter
- Minerva Urecal: Actress
Nicknames
Minnie
Fun facts
- Minerva was the Roman equivalent of the Greek goddess Athena, representing wisdom, justice, and strategic warfare.
- Minerva appears prominently on the official Seal of the State of California, symbolizing wisdom and statehood.