Rina

One of those short, punchy names with its roots in a variety of different cultures and languages, Rina is sister to names like Mina, Mira, Lina, and Nina. Retro in feel, but never overused in the US, it peaked in 1980 when it was given to 90 girls.

As a pan-European name, used in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and beyond, Rina may be considered a short form that has become a name in its own right. Usually said to derive from Catherine and its variants (Katerina, Catherina, Catharina, and Ekaterina), it may also be considered a short form for a whole range of other names, including Carina, Serina, Marina, and Corina.

From its Hebrew roots, Rina comes from rinna meaning "joy, singing, shouting", adding an upbeat and cheerful note to the name. In this case, Rinat would be another form.

As a Japanese name, Rina may be interpreted as meaning "white jasmine" or "village greens and vegetables" depending on which kanji elements are used. Familiar in Japan, it has been notably borne by actress Rina Aizaw, singer Rina Sawayama, and voice actress Rina Satō.

Additionally, Rina has its origins in Sanskrit and may be used as a Hindi and Marathi name. Also spelled as Reena, it comes from the Sanskrit word for "melted, dissolved".

Finally, it may be connected to Rena, a short form or variation of Renata and Renee, ultimately meaning "born again" in Latin.

Given to 77 girls in a recent year in the US (the highest number for several decades), the name is typically said as REE-na or REE-nuh, though the emphasis may vary depending on language and location. Hebrew: VariantRinat Sanskrit: melted (also Reena) Japanese: white jasmine; village+ greens, vegetables

Pronounced REE-nuh.

As of October 2026, Rina ranked #2319 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #1143 in 1884.