Minivet was named after the minivet, a type of cuckoo shrike of Asiatic origin. Minivet was laid down 19 July 1944 by Savannah Machine & Foundry Co., Savannah, Georgia: launched 8 November 1944; sponsored by Miss Henrietta G. Jerrell; commissioned 29 May 1945, Lt. Comdr. Richard Lagreze in command.