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

Popularity of Nena by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Nena is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 12 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Nena.

The history of the first name Nena

The name Nena has its origins in the Spanish language, and it is a diminutive form of the name Ines. The name Ines itself is derived from the ancient Greek name Agnes, which means "pure" or "chaste." The name Nena gained popularity in Spain during the Middle Ages and was commonly used as a pet name or nickname for girls named Ines.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Nena can be found in the works of renowned Spanish poet and playwright Lope de Vega, who lived from 1562 to 1635. In his play "Fuente Ovejuna," one of the characters is named Nena, which suggests that the name was in use during the Golden Age of Spanish literature.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Nena. One of the most famous was Nena Quintana Haedo (1904-1994), a Cuban singer and actress who was a prominent figure in the Cuban cultural scene during the mid-20th century. She was known for her performances in various theatrical productions and played a significant role in promoting Cuban music and culture.

Another notable Nena was Nena Daconte (1900-1993), a Spanish actress and singer who appeared in numerous films and stage productions. She was particularly celebrated for her performances in zarzuelas, a traditional Spanish lyrical genre that combines music, drama, and dance.

In the realm of literature, Nena Rocamora (1900-1976) was a Spanish writer and poet who was part of the Generation of '27, a group of influential Spanish poets and writers that emerged in the 1920s. Her works explored themes of love, nature, and the human experience, and she was recognized for her lyrical and evocative writing style.

Nena Ariston (1892-1965) was a Greek singer and actress who made significant contributions to the Greek operetta and musical theater scene in the early 20th century. She was celebrated for her performances in various operettas and was considered a pioneer in the development of modern Greek musical theater.

Nena Benavidez (1925-2016) was a Mexican-American civil rights activist and educator who dedicated her life to promoting educational opportunities for Hispanic students. She played a crucial role in establishing bilingual education programs and advocating for the rights of Spanish-speaking students in the United States.

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

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

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