All about the name

Lena

Male

« Lena is a feminine given name of Greek origin, meaning "torch" or "light", derived from the Greek word "λενός" (lenos). »

#9834 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

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.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Lena since 1880

Total births
326
Total since 1880
Peak year
1928
13 births
in 1975
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years