Find out how popular the first name Arena has been for the last 48 years (from 1977 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Arena by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Arena is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 14 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Arena.

The history of the first name Arena

The name Arena originates from the Latin word 'arena', which means 'sand' or 'sandy place'. It is believed to have its roots in the ancient Roman culture, where arenas were vast open-air venues filled with sand or other granular materials, used for hosting various public events, including gladiatorial combats and other forms of entertainment.

During the Roman era, the name Arena was likely used as a descriptive term or a nickname for individuals associated with these sandy arenas, such as performers, gladiators, or even event organizers. The earliest known usage of the name Arena can be traced back to ancient Roman inscriptions and historical records from the 1st century AD.

One of the earliest documented individuals with the name Arena was Arena of Laodicea, a Christian martyr who lived in the 3rd century AD. According to historical accounts, she was executed during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

In the Middle Ages, the name Arena gained popularity among Italian families, particularly in regions like Tuscany and Umbria. A notable figure from this period was Arena of Palermo, an Italian Benedictine nun and abbess who lived in the 12th century and was renowned for her piety and leadership.

During the Renaissance, the name Arena was associated with several artists and intellectuals. One prominent example is Arena Salviati, an Italian painter and architect who lived between 1508 and 1563 and was known for his contributions to the Mannerist style of art.

In more recent history, Arena Peres, a Brazilian politician and lawyer who served as the 34th President of Brazil from 1985 to 1990, bears this name. She played a significant role in the country's transition to democracy after years of military rule.

Another notable figure with the name Arena was Arena Candida, an Italian actress and singer who lived from 1898 to 1965 and achieved fame for her performances in numerous Italian films and stage productions during the early 20th century.

While the name Arena has its roots in ancient Roman culture, it has transcended its original associations and has been adopted by individuals across various regions and cultures throughout history.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Arena was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Arena, please contact us.

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