Molina is a Spanish surname and given name of Basque origin. It is derived from the Basque word "moli," which means "mill." The name was likely originally given to individuals who worked at or owned a mill, or lived near one.
The earliest known records of the Molina family can be traced back to the 12th century in the Basque Country in Spain. Throughout history, the Molina surname has been prominent in various regions of Spain and Latin America, particularly among Basque settlers.
While there is no specific meaning associated with the name Molina beyond its literal translation as "mill," it evokes images of industriousness and community, as mills were often central gathering places for villages and towns.
Today, Molina remains a popular given name in Spanish-speaking countries, while also being used as a surname throughout the world. Its Basque origins and historical associations with hard work and community continue to make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their child.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Molina has been used consistently but not excessively for newborns in the United States over the past five decades.
The highest number of births with the name Molina occurred in 1971, with a total of 21 births. This was followed by another peak in 2002 with 11 births. These years represent the most popular periods for the name Molina.
Interestingly, there were also notable spikes in recent years: 8 births each in 2020 and 2023. This suggests that the name Molina continues to be chosen for newborns even today.
However, it's important to note that these peaks are not consistent across all years. There were periods where the number of births with the name Molina decreased significantly. For instance, from 1978 to 1980, there were no more than 6 births each year. This pattern fluctuates throughout the decades.
Overall, based on these statistics, the name Molina has not been extremely popular or rare in the United States over time. It appears to have maintained a steady but relatively low usage rate for newborns.