Redena
A feminine name, possibly of Germanic origin, with an unknown or unclear meaning.
Name Census estimates that about 19 living Americans carry the first name Redena. The name is used almost exclusively for girls. The average person named Redena today is around 61 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Redena births was 1963 (7 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Redena. Below you will find a gender breakdown showing how the name splits between male and female registrations, a year-by-year popularity chart stretching back to 1880, decade-level totals, the top US states for this name, its meaning and etymology, and a set of frequently asked questions with data-backed answers.
Key insights
- • Fewer than 100 living Americans are believed to carry the name Redena. It is among the rarest names in the SSA records.
People living today
19
~ 1 in 18,039,702 Americans
Peak year
1963
7 babies that year
Average age
61
years old
1970 SSA rank
#8,975
Tracked since 1963
Popularity
Redena: popularity over time
The SSA tracks Redena from the 1960s through to the 1970s, spanning 2 decades of birth certificate data. The biggest single decade for the name was the 1960s, with 18 total registrations. Usage has dropped considerably from its 1960s peak. The most recent decade brought in only a fraction of the registrations that the name once attracted.
Babies born per year
Decades
Redena by decade
The table below breaks the full SSA timeline into ten-year windows. Each row shows how many male and female babies were given the name Redena during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
Origin
Meaning and history of Redena
The name Redena is a unique and intriguing moniker with roots that can be traced back to ancient Celtic origins. Its earliest recorded use dates back to the 5th century AD, during the height of the Celtic cultural dominance across Western Europe. The name is believed to have derived from the Celtic word "redhyna," which translates to "one who is of noble descent."
In ancient Celtic societies, names often carried significant meaning and were carefully chosen to reflect the desired qualities or aspirations for a child. The name Redena likely signified a family's desire for their offspring to possess traits of nobility, leadership, and honor. It was a name bestowed upon children born into prominent clans or families of high social standing.
One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name Redena was a Celtic chieftain from what is now modern-day Wales, who lived in the latter half of the 5th century AD. Historical accounts depict him as a formidable leader and skilled warrior, renowned for his bravery and unwavering loyalty to his people.
As the centuries passed, the name Redena saw sporadic usage across various Celtic regions, including Ireland, Scotland, and parts of present-day England. It was particularly popular among families of noble lineage or those aspiring to attain higher social status.
In the 9th century AD, a renowned Irish poet and scholar named Redena Mac Fáilbhe gained widespread acclaim for his masterful compositions and contributions to the preservation of Celtic literature. His works are considered invaluable sources of insight into the cultural and linguistic traditions of the era.
Another notable figure bearing the name Redena was a Scottish noblewoman from the 12th century. Lady Redena of Argyll was known for her influential role in the political and social spheres of her time, serving as a trusted advisor to the ruling monarchs of the Kingdom of Scotland.
In the realm of Christian religious tradition, there are records of a Redena who lived in the 14th century and was revered for her unwavering faith and dedication to charitable works. She established several orphanages and shelters for the poor, earning her a reputation as a compassionate and selfless individual.
During the 16th century, a renowned Welsh bard and musician named Redena ap Rhys gained widespread recognition for his skillful compositions and performances. His poetic works and melodies were celebrated throughout the region, and he is considered a significant figure in the preservation of Welsh cultural heritage.
While the name Redena may not be as commonly used in modern times, its historical significance and rich cultural associations continue to captivate those who appreciate the depth and meaning behind ancient monikers. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Celtic people and their profound influence on the naming traditions of Western Europe.
People
Redena + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Redena as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with R
Other first names starting with R with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Redena: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Redena?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 19 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Redena going back to 1880 and adjusting each cohort for expected survival using CDC actuarial life tables. The result is an age-weighted living-bearer count, not a raw birth total. That works out to about 1 in 18,039,702 US residents.
Is Redena a common name?
We classify Redena as "Very Rare". It ranks above 39.1% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 23 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Redena most popular?
The single biggest year for Redena was 1963, when 7 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Redena is about 61 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
Is Redena a female name?
Yes, 100.0% of people registered as Redena in the SSA data are female. You can see the full per-sex comparison in the gender distribution section above, which includes the latest year rank, birth count, and peak year for each sex.
Where does this data come from?
First-name figures come from the Social Security Administration's national baby name files, which cover every name on a birth certificate from 1880 to 2024. Living-bearer estimates layer in CDC actuarial life tables broken out by sex to account for mortality. The population baseline (342,754,338) is the Census Bureau's latest national estimate. You can read the full calculation on our methodology page.