Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Lena

Lena is a name taken from the suffix of other female names such as Elena, Helena, Magdalena, Marlena, Selena, etc. Therefore, the name has no specific meaning. It’s used most commonly among Scandinavians, Polish and German speaking people. It’s also the Russian short form of Yelena (Helen). Among German speakers in Switzerland, Lena is the #1 most popular girl’s name (2010). It is also commonly used in Germany and Austria where it’s the 3rd most popular female name. It’s ranked #4 in Poland and #16 in France. Lena is also ranked on the Top 100 lists in Belgium, Hungary, Croatia, Ireland and Slovenia. This is a truly cosmopolitan name!

All About the Baby Name – Lena

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME LENA

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change.  Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy.  This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive. 

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME LENA

Lena has held a continuous position on the American female naming charts for over 130 years (and prior). In the late 1800s, Lena was a Top 50 choice for little girls. She remained a Top 100 favorite all the way up until 1921. As the 20th century progressed, Lena slowly fell from favor. Her lowest point came right at the turn of the 21st century, but since then Lena has regained some ground. The name is still only used lightly on the relative basis (especially compared to 100 years ago), but she is clearly here for the long haul. Lena is a pretty choice conveying a delicate simplicity and elegance.

Quick Facts

ON LENA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

German

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

331

PRONUNCIATION:

LEE-na or LAY-na

SIMPLE MEANING:

No specific meaning

Characteristics

OF LENA

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Lena

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME LENA

Lena Grove is a pivotal character in William Faulkner’s 1932 novel, Light in August. She is a pregnant woman who is searching for the father of her unborn child, who has moved to another state, promising to send for her. Young and naïve, Lena is nonetheless a brave and determined woman who is trying to do right by her child and provide the structure of a family for him. Lena faces all the hardships and challenges that life sends her way in an unflinching and stoic manner, yet she does not despair. She simply soldiers on, fixed on the pursuit of her goals against all odds. The baby’s father is hardly worthy of her efforts – he is a lazy con artist who cravenly runs away instead of facing his responsibilities. Lena gives birth to her baby son in an old, rural cabin and continues on with her search undaunted. She is such a force of life herself, one can rest assured that her baby will not really need his worthless father, when he has such a mother.

Lena is a character in Amy Tan’s best-selling 1989 novel, The Joy Luck Club, which has also been adapted into a film and a play. Lena is the daughter of Ying-Ying, a girl born in China in the Year of the Tiger, whose natural spirit has been repressed by her culture. She passes on her fears to Lena, the child of her and her American husband. Lena is also born in the Year of the Tiger, but she grows to be a woman like her mother, fearful and anxious and bowing to the will of the males in her life. Trapped in a loveless marriage and emulating her mother’s behavior, Lena begins to realize how the story of her mother’s life has affected her own. At the same time, Ying-Ying is beginning to understand how her own actions, or lack thereof, have affected her daughter. It is in the power of communication, no matter how fraught with emotion, that empathy and understanding can work their healing on Lena.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME LENA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Lena


Popular Songs

ON LENA

Bald Headed Lena
a song by The Lovin' Spoonful

Famous People

NAMED LENA

Lena Horne (singer and entertainer)
Lena Olin (actress)
Lena Horne (singer and entertainer)
Lena Olin (actress)
Lena Horne (singer and entertainer)
Lena Olin (actress)

Children of Famous People

NAMED LENA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Lena

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME LENA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Lena