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.; African American Names; American Names; Armenian Names; Canadian Names; English Names; French Names; Greek Names; Hebrew Names; 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 294 likes, and is in the top 3% of liked girl's names. The name Stacey 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.