Lena

What does the baby name Lena mean? Learn about what Lena means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Lena - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Lena
L-E-N-A, is a 4-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Lena
LEH nah
LEE nah
LAY nah
Meaning of Lena
Sun ray, light, woman of magdala, temptress, illustrious, the bright one.
Origin of Lena
The name 'Lena' has multiple origins and can be found in various cultures around the world. It is derived from several different languages, including Greek, German, and Russian.
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Latin Names
Pet Names
Russian Names
Scandinavian Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Lena
Aila
Ailean
Ailee
Aileen
Ailene
Ailey
Ailie
Ailli
Aleen
Alena
Alina
Aline
Arla
Arlana
Arlea
Arlena
Arlene
Arleta
Arlette
Arlie
Arlin
Arlind
Arlinda
Dalanna
Eibhlin
Eileen
Eleanor
Elena
Eleni
Elinor
Elinora
Ellen
Ellena
Elnora
Galina
Halina
Helen
Helene
Helenka
Ileana
Ilene
Jalana
Jelena
Laine
Lana
Leana
Lene
Lenya
Leonore
Liana
Lina
Lyan
Mada
Maddy
Madel
Madeline
Magda
Magdalene
Mala
Marlaine
Marlena
Marlene
Maud
Maude
Nora
Olena
Olenya
Valenka
Yalena
Yelena
Yilina
Popularity of Lena
The popularity of the name 'Lena' has varied throughout history and across different regions. In the United States, it experienced a surge in popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It ranked among the top 100 names for girls in the early 1900s but gradually declined in popularity over the years. However, it still remains a well-known and widely used name in many countries.
Lena currently has 293 likes, and is in the top 3% of liked girl's names. The name Princess is slightly more popular than Lena.

Etymology of Lena

The etymology of 'Lena' differs depending on its cultural origin. In Greek, it is a shortened form of the name 'Elena', which means 'light' or 'torch'. In German, 'Lena' is a diminutive of 'Helena', derived from the ancient Greek name 'Helene', meaning 'bright' or 'shining'. In Russian, 'Lena' is a diminutive of 'Yelena', which has the same meaning as in Greek.

Cultural Significance of Lena

The name 'Lena' holds cultural significance in various countries. In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy, also known as 'Helena', was a central figure whose beauty sparked the Trojan War. This mythological connection adds depth and cultural resonance to the name 'Lena' in Greek culture. In Russian culture, 'Lena' is a popular name and is often associated with warmth, kindness, and beauty.