Find out how popular the first name Elmina has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Elmina by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Elmina is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Elmina.

The history of the first name Elmina

The name Elmina has its origins in the Spanish language and culture. It is a feminine given name derived from the combination of two Spanish words, "el" meaning "the" and "mina" meaning "mine" or "ore vein." Thus, the name Elmina can be interpreted as "the mine" or "the vein of ore."

This name gained popularity during the Spanish exploration and colonization of the Americas, particularly in regions with significant mining activities. It is believed to have been given to children born in areas rich in mineral resources, symbolizing the wealth and prosperity associated with mining.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Elmina can be found in historical records from the 16th century, when Spanish conquistadors and settlers established mining towns and camps in the New World. The name was likely bestowed upon newborn girls in these mining communities, reflecting the importance of the local industry.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Elmina. One of the earliest recorded figures was Elmina de Silva (1515-1579), a Spanish noblewoman and landowner who played a significant role in the establishment of Spanish settlements in the Caribbean.

Another prominent individual was Elmina Hawkins (1768-1828), an American educator and pioneer in the field of education for the deaf and hard of hearing. She founded one of the earliest schools for deaf students in the United States.

In the realm of literature, Elmina Gonzalez (1879-1965) was a renowned Cuban poet and writer, known for her contributions to the modernist movement in Spanish-American literature.

The name Elmina also found its way into the world of music with Elmina Viñes (1886-1961), a Spanish pianist and composer who gained recognition for her performances and compositions in the early 20th century.

Additionally, Elmina Lucke (1902-1985) was a notable German-American architect and urban planner, known for her innovative designs and contributions to the field of urban planning in the mid-20th century.

While the name Elmina may not be as common today as it once was, its historical significance and connection to the Spanish exploration and mining industry of the Americas make it a unique and intriguing name with a rich cultural background.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Elmina was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Elmina, please contact us.

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