From Indian traditions, often meaning fish or a precious gem depending on the language and form.
Meena is a name of rich cross-cultural heritage, most prominently rooted in Sanskrit, where it means 'fish' — a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and the free movement of life. In Hindu cosmology, the fish is the first avatar of Vishnu, Matsya, making the name carry quiet divine resonance. Meena is also the Sanskrit name for the zodiac sign Pisces, and children born under that sign have historically been given the name across the Indian subcontinent as a kind of astrological blessing.
In Persian and Arabic traditions, Meena (مینا) carries a separate etymology meaning 'enamel,' 'azure,' or 'a type of porcelain,' evoking color, beauty, and fine craftsmanship. The name has been borne by poets, activists, and artists across South Asia. Meena Kumari, the legendary Hindi film actress of the 1950s and 60s, brought the name to millions of screens with her tragic, luminous performances — she remains so associated with the name that in India it still carries a faint glamour of that golden era.
Meena Kandasamy is a contemporary Tamil poet and novelist who has brought the name into global literary consciousness through her fierce political writing. In the diaspora, Meena has traveled well — it is short, phonetically transparent to English speakers, and carries its cultural identity gracefully without requiring explanation. It sits comfortably alongside both its South Asian heritage and Western naming conventions, making it a popular choice for families navigating dual cultural identities. The name's quiet elegance has kept it in steady use across generations without ever feeling dated.