MyNameList

    Lena

    Also spelled: Helena, Magdalena, Yelena, Carolina

    Pronunciation: LEE-nuh

    ♀ Female
    Greek

    Meaning

    Bright, shining one; also, 'torch' or 'moon'

    Origin

    Greek

    About Lena

    Lena, a name that evokes a sense of gentle radiance, carries the beautiful meaning of "bright, shining one" or even "torch" and "moon." It's a truly versatile classic, having graced eras from medieval times right through to contemporary popularity, particularly shining in countries like Germany and Scandinavia. This is a name for parents who appreciate understated elegance and a soft, melodic sound without sacrificing a rich historical footprint. Unlike many short, sweet names, Lena doesn't feel like a modern invention; its enduring presence across centuries and cultures gives it a grounded, timeless quality, making it both familiar and quietly distinguished.

    Quick Facts

    - Phonetic pronunciation: LEE-nuh - Popular in: Germany, Sweden, Norway, Poland - Related forms: Helena, Magdalena, Carolina

    Popularity & Trends

    Rarity:
    Common
    Trend:Classic
    Peak decade:1910s
    Era:Medieval, Victorian, Early 1900s, Contemporary
    Popular in:Germany, Sweden, Norway, Poland

    Popularity Trends

    Is Lena Right for Your Baby?

    Lena is a Classic, Elegant, Soft name for girls that suits parents looking for something classic and well-established. It works well internationally and is easy to recognise across cultures. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

    Syllables2
    LengthMedium
    International UseGlobal
    PronunciationEasy

    Regions Where Lena Is Used

    Greek
    Scandinavian
    Germanic
    Slavic

    Name Vibe

    Classic
    Elegant
    Soft

    Famous People Named Lena

    • Lena Horne, American singer, dancer, actress, and civil rights activist
    • Lena Dunham, American actress, writer, director, and producer
    • Lena Olin, Swedish actress
    • Lena Headey, English actress

    Alternative Spellings & Variants

    • Lina

    Lena in different fonts

    LenaDancing Script
    LenaCaveat
    LenaSatisfy
    LenaPacifico
    LenaGreat Vibes

    Names Similar to Lena

    Names with a similar meaning or feel:

    Sibling Name Style

    If you like Lena, you might also like names with these styles:

    Classic
    Short and sweet

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Lena

    What does the name Lena mean?

    Lena means "bright, shining one" and also has associations with "torch" or "moon," reflecting its luminous qualities.

    Is Lena a popular name?

    Yes, Lena has enjoyed consistent popularity across various eras and remains a beloved choice, especially in countries like Germany and Sweden.

    What does Lena mean?

    Lena means "Bright, shining one; also, 'torch' or 'moon'". It is derived from Greek.

    What is the origin of Lena?

    Lena originates from Greek. Its cultural origin is Greek.

    Is Lena a male or female name?

    Lena is a female name.

    How do you pronounce Lena?

    Lena is pronounced "LEE-nuh".

    What language does Lena come from?

    Lena comes from Greek.

    What are variants of Lena?

    Variants of Lena include Helena, Magdalena, Yelena, Carolina.

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