The name Minal is of Indian origin, specifically from the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is derived from the Marathi word "minal," which means "small." The name has a historical significance in India as it was used for both boys and girls until the late 20th century when it became more commonly associated with females.
In Hindu mythology, Minal is also one of the names of Goddess Parvati, who is considered the consort of Lord Shiva. This association gives the name an additional layer of divine significance.
The name Minal has gained popularity not just in India but also among Indian communities around the world due to its unique sound and cultural significance. While it was once more commonly used as a given name, today it is often used as a middle or surname as well.
In terms of pronunciation, the name Minal is typically pronounced as "mee-nahl," with the stress on the second syllable. It is usually written without any accent marks, but it can be found spelled with diacritical marks such as "Mīnal" to denote its proper pronunciation in Marathi.
Overall, the name Minal is deeply rooted in Indian culture and history while also having a universal appeal due to its unique sound and meaning.
The name Minal has had varying popularity in the United States over the past four decades, with a total of 200 babies being born with this name since 1979.
In the early years recorded, there were relatively few births each year. The name was given to eight babies in 1979 and five babies in 1980. However, it appears that Minal began to gain some traction in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with ten or more births occurring annually between 2004 and 2015.
The year 2004 saw a notable increase in popularity for the name Minal, with twelve babies being born that year. This trend continued over the next few years, with ten births recorded in 2006 and nine in 2008.
However, after reaching a peak of fifteen births in 2023, the popularity of the name Minal has shown some signs of decline in recent years. There were only seven births in 2015, six in both 2017 and 2021, and five in 2013.
Despite these fluctuations, it is clear that the name Minal has maintained a consistent presence in the United States over the past forty-five years. With a total of 200 babies being named Minal since 1979, it can be considered a recognizable and well-established name in American culture.