Lena is a feminine given name of Greek origin and means "torch" or "light". It is derived from the Greek word "λενός" (lenos), which refers to a torch or a light. In ancient Greece, Lena was used as a name for both men and women, but today it is predominantly used as a female name.
The name Lena gained popularity in several countries during the 20th century. It became particularly popular in Germany, where it was one of the top ten girl names from the 1930s to the 1960s. In Russia and other Slavic countries, Lena is also a common name, often used as a diminutive of longer names such as Elena or Yelena.
There are several notable people named Lena throughout history. One famous example is Lena Horne, an American singer and actress who was known for her civil rights activism. Another notable figure is Lena Headey, an English actress best known for her role as Cersei Lannister in the HBO series Game of Thrones.
Overall, Lena is a name with ancient roots that has stood the test of time. Its meaning of "light" or "torch" gives it a powerful and symbolic quality, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughter.
The given statistics show the annual number of births with the name Lena in the United States from 1888 to 1975. During this period, there were a total of 326 babies named Lena.
The most popular years for the name Lena were in the early to mid-1900s, with peaks in 1912 and 1914, when there were 9 births each year. The decade from 1920 to 1930 also saw a consistent number of babies named Lena, ranging from 5 to 13 births per year.
Interestingly, the name Lena was more commonly given in the earlier years, with no recorded births between 1944 and 1948. It then re-emerged in the late 1970s with 6 births in 1975. Overall, these statistics provide a historical snapshot of the popularity of the name Lena over time in the United States.