Velena first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Velena has been for the last 1 years (from 1984 to 1984) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Velena

A feminine given name of uncertain origin, possibly derived from the Latin word velena meaning "sail".

Popularity of Velena by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Velena is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1984, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Velena.

Year Male Count Female Count
1984 0 5

The history of the first name Velena

The name Velena has its origins in ancient Slavic cultures, with its roots tracing back to the 8th century CE. It is derived from the Proto-Slavic word "velena," which means "great" or "mighty." This name was initially given to children born during times of great triumph or victory, symbolizing strength and resilience.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Velena can be found in the Novgorod Codex, a 11th-century manuscript that documented the history and traditions of the Novgorod Republic, a medieval East Slavic state. In this text, Velena is mentioned as the name of a prominent noblewoman who played a significant role in the region's political affairs.

During the Middle Ages, the name Velena gained popularity among the ruling classes of various Slavic kingdoms. One notable figure bearing this name was Velena of Halych, a 12th-century princess from the Principality of Halych, located in present-day Ukraine. She was renowned for her diplomatic skills and her efforts to maintain peace between neighboring states.

In the 14th century, Velena Stoyanova was a Bulgarian noblewoman and landowner who was instrumental in preserving the cultural heritage of her region. She commissioned the construction of several churches and monasteries, which are still standing today as architectural marvels.

The Renaissance period saw the rise of Velena Grimani, a 16th-century Venetian noblewoman and patron of the arts. She was celebrated for her patronage of renowned artists, including Titian and Tintoretto, and her support for the development of the Venetian Renaissance.

In the 19th century, Velena Lukić was a Serbian educator and writer who played a pivotal role in promoting women's education and advocating for gender equality. Her work helped pave the way for the advancement of women's rights in the Balkans.

These are just a few examples of the individuals who have borne the name Velena throughout history, each leaving their mark on the cultural, political, and social landscapes of their respective eras. While the name may have evolved and taken on different meanings over time, its roots remain firmly grounded in the ancient Slavic traditions of strength and resilience.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!

"Velena first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on August 3, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/velena-meaning-and-history/.

"Velena first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/velena-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 3 August, 2025

Velena first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/velena-meaning-and-history/.

Search for a name

Search for a first or last name to learn more about its origin, meaning, and more.

Simple as that.