Myna
/ˈmaɪ.nə/noun
A starling-like songbird native to South and Southeast Asia, often known for its ability to imitate sounds.
Did you know?Myna comes through Hindi mainā from Sanskrit madanā, a name traditionally connected with the bird; the Sanskrit root mad can refer to delight, exhilaration, or intoxication, though the exact naming pathway is uncertain.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
madanā
“A name for a bird; related in form to madana, associated with delight, passion, or exhilaration”
Medieval to Early Modern India
Prakrit/Indo-Aryan
mainā
“The name for the myna bird in Indo-Aryan speech”
18th–19th Century
Hindi
mainā
“Myna bird”
19th Century
Anglo-Indian English
mynah
“A South Asian starling-like bird, especially one capable of imitating speech”
Modern English
English
myna
“A bird of the starling family, especially one of the genus Acridotheres”