Find out how popular the first name Lena has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Lena by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Lena is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Lena being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,149 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Lena.

The history of the first name Lena

The name Lena has its origins in the Greek language, emerging as a shortened form of the name Helena, which is derived from the Greek word "helene," meaning "bright" or "shining one." The name Lena can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was prevalent among the Greek population.

In ancient Greek mythology, Helen of Troy, also known as Helen of Sparta, was a figure of immense importance. Her abduction by Paris, a Trojan prince, is said to have sparked the famous Trojan War, as depicted in Homer's epic Iliad. This association with Greek mythology contributes to the historical significance of the name Lena.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Lena can be found in the 4th century AD, when Saint Lena, a Christian martyr from Spain, lived and died for her faith during the Diocletian persecution.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Lena. One of the most famous was Lena Horne (1917-2010), an American singer, actress, and civil rights activist, who broke barriers for African Americans in the entertainment industry.

Another prominent figure was Lena Zavaroni (1963-1999), a Scottish singer and child star who rose to fame in the 1970s with her powerful voice and stage presence.

Lena Blackburne (1886-1968), an American baseball coach and umpire, is remembered for his contributions to the game, including his invention of the "baseball rubbing mud" used to prepare new baseballs for play.

In the literary world, Lena Hecker (1870-1913) was a German writer and poet known for her works exploring social and political themes.

Lastly, Lena Nyman (1944-2011) was a Swedish actress and director who gained recognition for her roles in films by Ingmar Bergman, including the acclaimed "Fanny and Alexander."

These examples showcase the diverse individuals who have borne the name Lena throughout history, spanning various fields and cultures, and contributing to the rich tapestry of its legacy.

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 Lena was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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