Mint-y Names

Aminta is now considered a feminine name, but it originated as a variation of Amyntas, a name connected to numerous ancient kings. In the 16th century, Torquato Tasso, an Italian poet, wrote a play titled Aminta about a lovestruck shepherd who falls for a beautiful nymph named Silvia.

One of the romantic names favored by British pastoral poets, more appealing in its longer form, Araminta.

Amyntas is derived from the Greek word amyntor, meaning "defender." It was borne by several ancient kings and military leaders.

A rare Armenian word name with that ever-cool X factor.

A fresh and summery — if rather long — color that sounds namelike, but is extremely rarely used.

Araminta is an enchanting eighteenth-century invention familiar in Britain and just beginning to be discovered here. It was used in 1693 by William Congreve in his comedy The Old Bachelor, and in 1705 by the versatile Sir John Vanbrugh, architect of Blenheim Palace as well as a playwright, for his comedy The Confederacy.

A Latin name with a lot of tango flair.

Dated British favorite that never caught on in this country, where Jade remains the green gem of choice. Interesting namesakes: British writer Beryl Bainbridge and British aviatrix Beryl Markham.

The Mandarin word for "mint" was used as a translation of the Japanese name Minto in the popular manga series Tokyo Mew Mew.

Like Cerulean, one of the new and unusual color names -- it's a soft grayish green -- suitable for a boy.

A minty Japanese name as well as a language and culture in southeast China.

Move over Brandy and Sherry, Julep is an alcohol-inspired name that certainly feels unique today, despite sharing similar sounds to popular Juliet and Juliana.

An uncommon name occasionally heard in Italy and Hungary, where it is also the word for "mint."

A minty girl name in Italy, a citrus-scented one in Spain.

You may be tempted to scoff at Mint as another wacky celebrity baby name — it was used by Dutch model Romee Strijd for her daughter in 2020 — but it's a far more legitimate choice than many would guess. Minty baby names for girls are having a style moment in Nordic countries — Mynte is a Top 50 name in Denmark, and Minttu ranks in Finland's Top 50. It's ultimately not so surprising that a well-traveled international star would choose to use the English variation of these names for her daughter.

Minta is an eighteenth century short form of a literary beauty still used in England today, but yet to be discovered by American baby namers. It has a fresh and dainty feel.

The mythological story of Minthe goes that she attempted to seduce Hades, god of the underworld. In an act of revenge, his wife Persephone transformed Minthe into the mint plant. In Ancient Greece, mint was commonly associated with funerals and the afterlife, both for its scent-masking properties and Minthe's connection to Hades.

Minto is used for both sexes in Japan, commonly with the kanji combination equating to the word for "mint."