The baby name Romina blends European style with a perfect built-in nickname.
Thanks to Elizabeth for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day.
WHAT DOES THE NAME ROMINA MEAN?
The baby name Romina is almost certainly a feminine form of Rome. After all, Roma is the Italian equivalent of the city name, and adding -ina is a familiar way to extend a girl’s name in Italian.
The origin of the city’s name is unclear. That means the meaning of the name Romina is equally open to debate. A commonly given meaning: land of the Christians, inspired by the religious significance of Rome across the ages.
Roman is a Top 100 favorite in the US and other places now. Elsewhere in Europe, names like Romana have seen some use, along with names like Romeo, Romaine, Romola, and other Rom- names.
It might have Hebrew or Arabic origins. Romi is a modern Hebrew name meaning “my exaltation.” In Arabic, some sources say it means “pure.”
NICKNAME ROMI or ROMY
Traditional, short forms like Romi or Romy developed as a diminutive form of Rosemary. Contract the name and it makes sense. European actress Rosemarie “Romy” Schneider made the name internationally known during the middle of the 20th century.
The rise of Romy in recent years is part of the appeal of names like Romina. It’s an obvious formal name, with the clear diminutive of Romy.
Other nicknames are possible: Roma, Mina, maybe even Ronnie work, too.
FAMOUS FIGURES
Italian singer-songwriter Romina Arena is one notable bearer of the name.
Speaking of singers, Romina Power scored a number of hits during the 1970s and 80s as part of the duo Al Bano & Romina Power. The couple represented Italy in the Euorvision Song Contest twice. The daughter of American actor Tyrone Power and his wife, Mexican actress Linda Christian, Romina’s name tells the couple’s story. They met in Rome and married at the church of Santa Francesca Romana.
Today, though, a different Power Romina gets credit for the name’s recent boost. Telenovela Romina poderosa debuted in Colombia, originally airing in 2023. The story follows Romina as she impersonates her twin sister, Laura, in order to investigate their past. Juanita Molina plays both sisters.
Telenovelas are a reliable booster of popular names. In Spanish-speaking countries shares of girls named Romina were already on the rise when the show debuted.
HOW POPULAR IS THE NAME ROMINA?
In the United States, 1920s and 30s favorite Ramona is increasing in use once more.
The popularity of Romina is rising even faster.
The baby name Romina entered the US Top 1000 in 2015. As of 2024, Romina charted at #475 – an all-time high.
The increasing popularity of the girl’s name Romy, which debuted at #926 in 2024, might also contribute to the rise of Romina.
ROMANTIC AND MODERN
Heard across various cultures for many years, the baby name Romina manages to feel equal parts romantic and modern. With names like Romy and Roman trending, it’s possible Romina just fits in with those stylish sounds.
And never underestimate the impact of a telenovela, especially once it is streaming on Netflix.
But there’s also plenty of rich cultural significance to consider, a way of tying to a name to the eternal city and to all the history and meaning that conveys.
What do you think of the baby name Romina?
I have been thinking about Romina and Roma lately! I do love them and used to overlook them a bit somehow.
I have a cousin Romina, born in 1962.