All about the name

Philena

Female

« Philena is a Greek-derived name meaning 'love' or 'friendship', associated with the goddess Philotes, and was used as both a given name and epithet in ancient Greece. »

#22802 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Philena is a name of Greek origin, derived from the word "philia," which means love or friendship. It is often associated with the goddess Philotes, who was said to embody these qualities. The name Philena has a rich history dating back to ancient times. In Greek mythology, Philotes was one of the three Horae, goddesses of the seasons and order. She was also considered the patroness of hospitality and friendship. The name Philena would have been used in ancient Greece as both a given name and an epithet for gods and heroes. Throughout history, the name Philena has appeared in various forms and spellings across different cultures. In some cases, it has been used as a variant of Philippa or Filippa, which are also derived from the Greek word "philia." However, Philena is unique in that it directly emphasizes the qualities of love and friendship without being linked to other names. Today, Philena is still a rare name, but its meanings continue to resonate with people who appreciate its association with positive emotions and connections. Those who bear this name may feel a sense of pride in carrying on an ancient tradition or simply enjoy having a distinctive moniker that stands out from more common choices.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Philena since 1880

Total births
143
Total since 1880
Peak year
1919
10 births
in 2004
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years