Minnie is a diminutive of Wilhelmina, Mary, or Minerva — variously from the Germanic willa (will) + helma (helmet, protection) or the Hebrew Mary. **A top-10 US baby name from 1882 to 1898**. **Minnie Riperton (1947-1979)** — American soul singer; **her 1975 hit "Lovin' You" features one of the most famous high notes in popular music (an F6 whistle register)**. Died of breast cancer at 31. **Minnie Pearl (1912-1996)** — born Sarah Ophelia Colley — American country comedian; *Grand Ole Opry* fixture for 50+ years. **Minnie Mouse** (Walt Disney, 1928) is among the most globally recognized cartoon characters. **Minnie Driver (born 1970)** — British actress; *Good Will Hunting* (1997).
Featured throughout American pop culture; subject of Riperton biographies.
Minnie reduces to eight — the number of the F6 high note.