Meaning: Its source is a Hebrew expression meaning "Nation."

Languages: This girl's name is used in Hebrew.

Narrative: Some authorities derive this name from the Arabic term medinat (meaning ''city''), which was the source for the name of the Islamic holy city of Medina. However, it is doubtful that Jewish parents have such a derivation in mind when they give this name to girls born on Israel's Independence Day, May 14.

Given their similar meanings, though, it is likely that the Hebrew and Arabic terms share a common Semitic ancestor.