Inna: a female name of Slavic origin meaning "Inna is a romanization of the modern Russian given name (Инна), supposedly meaning “strong water".It derives from the Slavic word "INNA".
Inna has maintained its appeal as a feminine name in modern times while preserving its Slavic roots. Today, parents are drawn to its meaningful essence of "Inna is a romanization of the modern Russian given name (Инна), supposedly meaning “strong water" and its cultural richness. This name bridges traditional heritage with contemporary naming trends.
Quick Facts About Inna
Quick facts about Inna
Origin
Slavic
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
Inna is a romanization of the modern Russian given name (Инна), supposedly meaning “strong water.” It was an early male Russian martyr but is currently used as a feminine name only. Inna was the fourth most popular name given to baby girls born in Moscow, Russia, in 2007. In ancient Greece, the name “Inna” (Инна) is also attested (probably from “Innin” (ἴννην), meaning ‘little girl’). However, a connection with the Russian Inna hasn’t been confirmed. In other Russian sources, Inna means “fountain, lively, and full of life.”
Etymology & Details
Name Root
INNA
Other Scripts
Russian (Инна) Ukrainian (Інна)
How to Pronounce Inna
Inna is pronounced /ˈɪn.nə/
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Inn-a
Say it like: "INN-A"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Inna enjoys international appeal, used in 4 different linguistic and cultural contexts including ukrainian, russian, latvian, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.
ukrainianrussianlatvianestonian
Frequently Asked Questions About Inna
What does the name Inna mean?
Inna means "Inna is a romanization of the modern Russian given name (Инна), supposedly meaning “strong water.” It was an early male Russian martyr but is currently used as a feminine name only. Inna was the fourth most popular name given to baby girls born in Moscow, Russia, in 2007. In ancient Greece, the name “Inna” (Инна) is also attested (probably from “Innin” (ἴννην), meaning ‘little girl’). However, a connection with the Russian Inna hasn’t been confirmed. In other Russian sources, Inna means “fountain, lively, and full of life.”". The name comes from INNA. This slavic name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Inna for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "Inna is a romanization of the modern Russian given name (Инна), supposedly meaning “strong water.” It was an early male Russian martyr but is currently used as a feminine name only. Inna was the fourth most popular name given to baby girls born in Moscow, Russia, in 2007. In ancient Greece, the name “Inna” (Инна) is also attested (probably from “Innin” (ἴννην), meaning ‘little girl’). However, a connection with the Russian Inna hasn’t been confirmed. In other Russian sources, Inna means “fountain, lively, and full of life.”" as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Inna's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Inna?
Inna is a slavic name. The name traces back to INNA. In its native script, Inna is written as Russian (Инна) Ukrainian (Інна). From its slavic roots, Inna spread to become common in ukrainian, russian, latvian, estonian. The slavic meaning "Inna is a romanization of the modern Russian given name (Инна), supposedly meaning “strong water.” It was an early male Russian martyr but is currently used as a feminine name only. Inna was the fourth most popular name given to baby girls born in Moscow, Russia, in 2007. In ancient Greece, the name “Inna” (Инна) is also attested (probably from “Innin” (ἴννην), meaning ‘little girl’). However, a connection with the Russian Inna hasn’t been confirmed. In other Russian sources, Inna means “fountain, lively, and full of life.”" reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Inna a boy or girl name?
Inna is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In slavic tradition, Inna has historically been given to girls. The meaning "Inna is a romanization of the modern Russian given name (Инна), supposedly meaning “strong water.” It was an early male Russian martyr but is currently used as a feminine name only. Inna was the fourth most popular name given to baby girls born in Moscow, Russia, in 2007. In ancient Greece, the name “Inna” (Инна) is also attested (probably from “Innin” (ἴννην), meaning ‘little girl’). However, a connection with the Russian Inna hasn’t been confirmed. In other Russian sources, Inna means “fountain, lively, and full of life.”" carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Inna?
Inna is pronounced "/ˈɪn.nə/". This pronunciation follows sl language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Russian (Инна) Ukrainian (Інна), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Inna is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in ukrainian, russian, latvian, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with slavic names, listening to a native speaker say Inna can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Inna?
Inna is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Inna offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Inna's popularity may vary between slavic communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "Inna is a romanization of the modern Russian given name (Инна), supposedly meaning “strong water.” It was an early male Russian martyr but is currently used as a feminine name only. Inna was the fourth most popular name given to baby girls born in Moscow, Russia, in 2007. In ancient Greece, the name “Inna” (Инна) is also attested (probably from “Innin” (ἴννην), meaning ‘little girl’). However, a connection with the Russian Inna hasn’t been confirmed. In other Russian sources, Inna means “fountain, lively, and full of life.”" likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Inna holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Inna commonly used?
Inna spans multiple cultures, including ukrainian, russian, latvian, and 1 other traditions. Though slavic in origin, Inna found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Inna, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "Inna is a romanization of the modern Russian given name (Инна), supposedly meaning “strong water.” It was an early male Russian martyr but is currently used as a feminine name only. Inna was the fourth most popular name given to baby girls born in Moscow, Russia, in 2007. In ancient Greece, the name “Inna” (Инна) is also attested (probably from “Innin” (ἴννην), meaning ‘little girl’). However, a connection with the Russian Inna hasn’t been confirmed. In other Russian sources, Inna means “fountain, lively, and full of life.”" carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Inna into their naming traditions. A child named Inna will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Inna is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.