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

Popularity of Zena by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 86 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Zena.

The history of the first name Zena

The name Zena is of Greek origin and has its roots in the ancient Greek language. It is believed to have derived from the Greek word "xenos," which means "stranger" or "foreigner." The name was likely given to children born outside of their homeland or to those who were considered outsiders or foreigners in a particular community.

In ancient Greek mythology, Zena was the name of a nymph who was said to be the daughter of the river god Inachos. She was revered for her beauty and grace and was often depicted in artwork and literature of that time.

The earliest recorded use of the name Zena can be traced back to the 5th century BCE, when it was found inscribed on ancient Greek pottery and other artifacts. It was a relatively uncommon name during this period but gained popularity in certain regions of ancient Greece.

One of the earliest known historical figures to bear the name Zena was a Greek philosopher who lived in the 3rd century BCE. She was a follower of the Cynic school of philosophy and was known for her teachings on virtue and simplicity.

In the 1st century CE, a woman named Zena was mentioned in the writings of the Roman historian Tacitus. She was described as a woman of great strength and courage who played a pivotal role in a revolt against the Roman Empire.

During the Byzantine Empire, the name Zena was associated with several notable women, including a princess named Zena Comnena, who lived in the 12th century. She was known for her intelligence and her patronage of the arts.

In more recent history, there have been several notable individuals named Zena. Zena Horlick was a British actress and singer who lived from 1892 to 1985 and was known for her performances in the early 20th century.

Another notable Zena was Zena Blaustein, an American philanthropist and social activist who lived from 1900 to 1963. She was a passionate advocate for women's rights and played a key role in the establishment of several organizations dedicated to improving the lives of women and children.

Zena Vounouki was a Greek actress who lived from 1922 to 2008 and was renowned for her performances on the stage and in film. She was a celebrated figure in the Greek cultural scene and was honored with numerous awards for her contributions to the arts.

Zena Blackemore was an American civil rights activist who lived from 1923 to 2005. She was a prominent figure in the struggle for racial equality and worked tirelessly to advance the cause of civil rights 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 Zena was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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