MINERVA  

Gender: F
Origin: Latin
Meaning: "of the mind, intellect"

The long-neglected name of the Roman goddess of wisdom and invention might appeal to adventurous feminist parents.

Variations:
Merva, Myna, Minnie, Min, Minivera

International Variations:
Minerve, Minette (French) Minetta (Italian) Minetta (Spanish)

Minerva is being discussed in our message boards:

• Unexpected, soft, and pretty girl names?
• Everyone Loves A Baby Name Game!
• Short List--your thoughts?
• AA, BB, CC, DD....GIRLS!
• What about Minerva?

Read Nameberry blog posts about Minerva:

• AFRICAN-AMERICAN NAMES: Early Classical Choices
• ANNE HECHE'S ATLAS JOINS THE PANTHEON OF STARBABY GODS & GODDESSES
• MARDI GRAS NAMES: Baby Names from the Bayou