'Nina' originates from several sources: from Spanish the word 'niña' (meaning 'girl'); from Italian/Latin-derived diminutive forms such as 'Antonina' or 'Giannina' (where the short form became 'Nina'); and possibly from the ancient name 'Inanna' via later adaptations.

'Nina' changed through use as a diminutive in Romance languages (e.g., 'Antonina' -> shortened to 'Nina') and was adopted into Slavic and other languages; earlier parallels to the Sumerian 'Inanna' may have influenced forms in some regions, leading to the modern proper name 'Nina'.

Initially associated either with the literal word 'girl' (Spanish 'niña'), or as a short form of longer personal names; over time it stabilized primarily as an independent female given name without a literal lexical meaning.