Amina

Origin

Arabic; derived from the root ‘amīn’ meaning ‘faithful’ or ‘trustworthy’. It appears in Islamic texts as a name of significance. Not culturally native to Australia but adopted in multicultural contexts, especially among Muslim communities. The name ‘Amina’ is also found in Swahili with a similar meaning, owing to Arab influence on East African languages. The spelling ‘Amina’ is common internationally, while ‘Amina’ with an unaccented ‘i’ appears in Western contexts. It does not have a historical presence in ancient Australian indigenous texts.

Meaning

Faithful, trustworthy, honest. In Australian English contexts, it connotes a person who is reliable and sincere, often appreciated in social and familial settings.

Pronunciation

/əˈmiːnə/ — with stress on the second syllable; common pronunciation in Australia emphasizes clarity of vowels, ‘uh-MEE-nah’. , 'ə' as in ‘about’, ‘ee’ as in ‘see’, ‘na’ as in ‘naughty’.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 27 August (Islamic Feast of Amina) - Celebrated by Muslim communities in Australia.
• None widely observed in Christian or Indigenous calendars.
• Māori and Aboriginal cultural calendars do not traditionally recognise this name.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with amina:

• Sarah and Amina
• Liam and Amina,
• Emily and Amina

Fun Facts

• Amina is a common given name among Muslim Australians, reflective of cultural heritage.
• The Australian actress Amina Annabi has contributed to multicultural representation in arts.
• In literature, characters named Amina often embody loyalty and virtue, echoing the name’s roots.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name amina:

• Loyal
• Trustworthy
• Compassionate
• Virtuous

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a soft, lyrical aesthetic with rounded vowels, making it visually pleasing in Latin script and easy to pronounce in Australian English and other languages.

Geographical Distribution

Most common in multicultural urban centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, where diverse communities reside. Less prevalent in rural and indigenous Australian communities.

Numerological Significance

Name number 5, associated with adventure and dynamic change, inviting versatile personality traits aligned with adaptability and curiosity in Australian cultural context.

Astrological Connections

No specific astrological association, but the name’s vibrational qualities suggest adaptability and harmony, aligning with air and fire zodiac signs such as Gemini, Libra, Leo, and Sagittarius.

Historical Context

The name has been borne by notable figures such as Amina of Zazzau, a 16th-century Hausa warrior queen, renowned for her leadership and bravery. Contemporary Australians with the name include figures in arts and community leadership, reflecting its cultural versatility.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts smoothly across languages; in Turkish and Swahili contexts it remains Amina, while in Arabic it is often spelled ‘Amina’ or ‘Aminah’ with diacritics.

Famous People Named amina

• Amina Annabi (French actress and singer)
• Amina Zobia (civil rights advocate in Australia)
• Amina M. (Australian author)

Popularity in Australia