Find out how popular the first name Philena has been for the last 29 years (from 1976 to 2004) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Philena by gender

Based on the last 29 years of data, Philena is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2004, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Philena.

The history of the first name Philena

The given name Philena is a feminine name derived from the Greek language. It is believed to have originated during the Classical period of ancient Greece, around the 5th century BC. The name is a combination of the Greek words "philos" meaning "beloved" and "philein" meaning "to love."

In ancient Greek mythology, Philena was the name of one of the Oceanids, the three thousand daughters of the Titans Oceanus and Tethys. The Oceanids were sea nymphs who presided over the fresh water sources of the world. This mythological connection suggests that the name Philena may have been associated with themes of water, fertility, and nature.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Philena can be found in the works of the ancient Greek dramatist Euripides, who lived from around 480 BC to 406 BC. In his play "The Phoenician Women," one of the characters bears the name Philena.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who carried the name Philena. One of the earliest recorded examples is Philena, a Greek poetess from the island of Lesbos who lived around the 3rd century BC. She was known for her lyric poetry and was considered a contemporary of the renowned poet Sappho.

Another historical figure with the name Philena was a Christian martyr from the 3rd century AD. According to accounts, she was a virgin from the city of Amastris in Paphlagonia (modern-day Turkey) who was tortured and executed for her faith during the persecutions of the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

In the 16th century, there was a Philena Deane (1565-1624), an English noblewoman and courtier who served as a gentlewoman of the Privy Chamber to Queen Elizabeth I. She was known for her intelligence and wit, and was admired by many scholars and poets of her time.

During the 18th century, Philena Foord (1731-1801) was a notable English poet and writer. She was a member of the Bluestocking Circle, a group of influential women who promoted the education and intellectual pursuits of women in the 18th century.

In the field of music, Philena Antoinette Marie Angelica Thibault (1774-1858) was a French operatic soprano who performed in several operas across Europe during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. She was known for her powerful voice and dramatic performances.

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

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

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