'marina' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'marina', where it is the feminine form related to 'marino' meaning 'of the sea' (from Latin 'marinus').

'marina' came into English in the 19th century from Italian 'marina' (meaning 'seaside' or 'related to the sea'), ultimately from Latin 'marinus' (from 'mare' meaning 'sea'). The English noun 'marina' developed the sense of a place for mooring pleasure boats.

Initially it meant 'pertaining to the sea' (from Latin/Italian), but over time in English it evolved into the specific sense of 'a harbor or basin for small boats and yachts.'