Serena

Serena is a female given name borne from the English adjective “serene” from the Latin “serenus” meaning “peaceful, tranquil, calm, clear” (used initially to describe the weather and later became an adjective applied to persons). As a masculine name, Serenus dates back to the classical era as evidenced by a little known 4th century saint, Serenus the Gardener, who was martyred for his Christian beliefs (after he chastised the wife of a Roman Guard for trampling on his garden, she turned him into the authorities). As a female name, Serena dates back to at least the late 16th century. English poet Edmund Spenser used it in his literary masterpiece and allegorical poem “The Faerie Queene” (Book VI). Serena is a minor character, a knight’s lady, who learns the only way to overcome the Beast’s poisonous venom is through virtue, honesty and self-control (sounds like her name was not accidentally chosen by the author). Today the name Serena is used with light moderation in the United States, England, France and the Netherlands.