The name Mina has its origins in several languages and cultures. It is a feminine form of the male name Minos, which is derived from the ancient Greek word "minos" meaning "king" or "ruler". The name was borne by the legendary King Minos of Crete, a figure from Greek mythology who was said to have ruled over the island of Crete in the second millennium BC.

Mina is also a variant spelling of the name Minna, which is a German diminutive form of the name Wilhelmina, meaning "resolute protector". In Scandinavian countries, Mina is a shortened form of the name Vilhelmina, which has the same meaning as Wilhelmina.

In Arabic, the name Mina (منى) means "wish" or "desire". It is a popular name in the Middle East and is also used in some parts of India and Pakistan. The name Mina is also found in the Quran, where it refers to the valley near the holy city of Mecca where pilgrims gather during the Hajj pilgrimage.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mina is in ancient Roman times. Mina was the name of a Roman goddess of fertility and childbirth, who was sometimes associated with the Greek goddess Proserpina.

Throughout history, there have been several notable figures with the name Mina. Mina Loy (1882-1966) was a British-born American artist, poet, and novelist, known for her avant-garde poetry and her involvement in the Futurist movement. Mina Sundwall (1886-1958) was a Finnish artist and painter, known for her portraits and landscapes.

Mina Wylie (1891-1984) was a Scottish-born American suffragist and social worker, who played a significant role in the women's suffrage movement in the United States. Mina Rees (1902-1997) was an American mathematician and computer scientist, who made important contributions to the development of numerical analysis and the use of computers in scientific research.

Mina Becker (1924-2017) was a German-born American artist and sculptor, known for her abstract sculptures and her work in various media, including bronze, steel, and stone.