Minerva

I like the Greek equivalent better, Athena. But this isn't bad either, I guess.

I love it sooo much! This is actually Minnie Mouse's real name.

Ugh. Nervy, harsh name.

I love the mysterious feel to this name. I love this so much. I love the meaning too, being smart is a good thing.
I love it as a first and middle name.

This name really shows people that you value knowledge. It's a lot to live up to, but if you want to raise a dignified, intelligent woman this is a good start. The Greek equivalent, Athena, is becoming extremely popular in the U.S. so this is one alternative. The nickname Minnie may remind people of Disney. There is a Minerva statue in Brooklyn that faces the Statue of Liberty. It's a statue with an interesting story, look it up!

I can't picture it on little girls. I just can't. Not saying it's a bad name or whatnot but modern day families like to use "quirkier" names like Kenzie or Oaklynn, they forget older gems like such.

In the Fire Emblem video game series, there is a character named Minerva. She is a warrior princess of the Kingdom of Macedon. She wears red armor, rides atop a wyvern and wields a legendary battleax dubbed Hauteclere, one of the strongest weapons in the series. She is strong, thinks very seriously, carries herself very well, and I can't help but admire the character for it.

I think Minerva is a cool name. I was playing Valkyria Chronicles 4 and one of the characters is named Minerva. Also, Minerva in Harry Potter is a life-saving, caring, smart, no nonsense type. I am not big on nicknames but would probably just use Min.

The name is kinda... Old I guess? After all it IS the Roman goddess of wisdom so I guess it has a beautiful meaning to it.

A bit too out there for me.

Beautiful old-fashioned name, though it reminds me of mineral water.

I like the name Minerva; however, in the USA you could never use the nickname Minnie. It is horribly diminishing and just could not be used here without terrible backlash on the poor child.

A very unique name. I didn't like Minerva at first because it reminded me of minerals, but I like how powerful and beautiful it sounds now. Hopefully, this name doesn't get too tied to Harry Potter.

My daughter's name is Minerva. It sounds good and I am happy with this name.

My name is Minerva. I gave birth to a beautiful girl in 7-21-94. I named her Athena. The name reflects the two of us combined and I knew in this cruel world my kids would need every weapon to survive. I've always believed that naming your child with purpose gave them a strong personality.

This is a very beautiful name. I love the sound of it but would never give it to a child due to the Harry Potter references.

Minerva is a name I readily associate with the Roman counterpart of Athena and the Potter character Professor McGonagall. Either way, I doubt if a daughter would have any gripes, because:
1) Athena and Minerva are the goddesses of wisdom and intelligence.
2) Professor McGonagall is a perfectly acceptable namesake, for she is a vital character in the stories.
I don't think only Potter fans would use this, or that it will immediately be teased at, because the character is perfectly respectable and wise. Besides, people need to look past associations to focus on the name itself.
[That doesn't apply to all names but here it does apply].

Although this name has a lovely meaning and history, it reminds me of the word "nervous", which is not a word I particularly like. However, the word "nerve" can have a good connotation, as in "I got nerve!".

My name is Minerva and honestly I don't think it sounds "cold". It's actually quite nice. I use the nickname Minnie for myself. It has stuck around since I was a little girl. People use it when they have trouble pronouncing my name. The name is nice itself because it's very unique. I've only met one person with it.

I wish I knew a prettier way to pronounce this name, because I really love the spelling, meaning and conotation, but the harsh "er" sound makes me sad. But I love the comment about McGonagall--she is awesome!

It reminds me of a witch who has warts all over her face.

I really love this name, I think it sounds really intelligent, historical, and just generally an all-round nice name, but it always makes me think of Maggie Smith playing Minerva McGonagall from Harry Potter, but I think that's a good thing. :)

This name is stunning. I haven't come across it as of yet on a real person.

It sounds pretty, but it has that snobbish, elitist feel to it.

This name is just getting on my nerve-a. Sorry, but that's the way it is. Athena is wonderful compared to this.

My wife's name and it suits her perfectly, even with the description of 'cold'. We have a great relationship and she's an excellent mother, but she's a chemistry prof.

I *strongly* prefer Minerva to Athena. ♥

After reading the comments section here, I have stopped liking this name. It strikes me as a pretty, but cold name now. In English, the name has that ''nerve'' sound to it that sounds bad anyway, and it's quite an elitist name, even if it sounds nice in other languages.

My niece was named Minerva after one of her mother's friends that passed away. When she told me the name I thought it was quite odd for a child. But as she grew and took on the nickname Minnie it really seemed to fit her as a child and she can use the full name when she gets older.

This name sounds fun. Minnie would also be a cute nickname for a little girl. Also, in response to what soleta said, if it is a fraternity for girls, then it is called a sorority.

I think Minerva is a much prettier name than Athena. It sounds like a beautiful, intelligent woman who will go far in life.

My real name is Minerva, I believe names are really important because the origin may determine some things in our life. Minerva (or Atenea) has a powerful meaning and a very interesting story. I agree it is as a name for an intelligent and attractive woman, it might be a strong name for a kid, but it gives a lot of personality to an adult (at least in my country).

Minerva is indeed a femme fatale, and that goes to it's meaning "intellect" but also because of the way it sounds, so mysterious and too "strong." And I must agree Athena sounds simpler and prettier to me. This name to me conjures images of a very intelligent yet not-so-nice, mystery woman with a whole lot of "bad" attitude. Personally, not very nice for a child.

I don't really like this name because it either reminds of Harry Potter or that character from 'Animaniacs' who was totally annoying...and both are literally. Just my opinion though.

A nice, beautiful and strong name. I like its meaning and pronunciation. It sounds like an intelligent, successful and attractive woman.

I don't like this name; its Greek equivalent, Athena, is much prettier. By the way, all you Harry Potter people are absolutely crazy.