Lena

Lena is a short form of the names Magdalena and Helena, as well as their numerous variants ending in -lena, such as Alena, Elena, or Jelena. As a short form of Helena, the name Lena has its roots in the ancient Greek name Helene, whose origin remains uncertain to this day.

What does the name Lena mean?

Lena is a short form of the names Magdalena and Helena, as well as their numerous variants ending in -lena, such as Alena, Elena, or Jelena. As a short form of Helena, the name Lena has its roots in the ancient Greek name Helene, whose origin remains uncertain to this day. It is conceivable that it originates from the ancient Greek word helene (torch, light). The name Lena would then mean "the Shining." Helene/Helena could also derive from the ancient Greek word helios (sun, sun rays) and the Greek sun god Helios, meaning "the Radiant." A connection to the Greek moon goddess Selene is also possible. Derived from the ancient Greek word selene (moon), Lena would then mean "the Moon." As a short form of Magdalena, Lena means "the one from Magdala." The name Magdalena traces back to the New Testament and "Mary Magdalene," a disciple of Jesus Christ who came from the town of Magdala by the Sea of Galilee. The place name Magdala is attributed to the Hebrew word migdal (tower). Therefore, the name Magdalena or Lena is often translated as "the Exalted." Lena is among the most popular female first names in many German-speaking, Slavic, and Scandinavian countries. In Germany, the name became popular at the end of the 20th century and reached the top spot in German name charts multiple times in the 2000s. Even today, the name remains extremely popular, with parents increasingly opting for the variants Leni or Lene. Other variants of Lena include Leena (Finnish), Lejna (Sorb), Lenka (Polish, Czech), and Lenke (Hungarian). Notable German bearers of the name include singer Lena Meyer-Landrut and model Lena Gercke.

Where does the name Lena come from?

Etymology Lena is a female first name of ancient Greek and ancient Hebrew origin with meanings such as "the Radiant" or "the Exalted" and others.

How do you pronounce Lena?

Sound & pronunciation of Lena: The name Lena is two syllables and clearly structured. In German pronunciation, it is usually pronounced as "Le-na" [ˈleːna], with the first syllable carrying the stress on the long "e." The open "a" at the end provides a gentle finish. Lena sounds friendly and modern - harmonious, lively, and present.

When is the name day of Lena?

As a short form of Magdalena, Lena celebrates its name day on May 25 and July 22. As a short form of Helena, Lena celebrates its name day on April 26, May 21, August 18, October 29, and November 15.

Popularity

In Germany, the name Lena played a minor role until the 1970s, usually ranking between the top 150 and top 800. Particularly in the 1950s to 1970s, it often fell outside the top 400 and was considered a rarely given name in Germany for several decades. From the 1980s, and especially in the 1990s, an extraordinary rise began.

Nicknames & pet names

Cena / Ena / L / Laenchen / Leana / Leandertaler / Lee / Leeana / Leena / Lejnör / Lela / Lele / Lelenchen / Len / Lena-Maus / Lenachen / Lenahart / Lenalein / Lenali / Lenaly / Lenapena / Lenart / Lenax / Lenche / Lenchen / Lene / Leneen / Lener / Lenerd / Lenerich / Lenhart / Leni / Leni-Maus / Leniane / Lenibeni / Lenichen / Lenie / Lenii / Lenilein / Lenileinchen / Lenin / Lenis / Lenischeni / Lenita / Lenki / Lenksi / Lenl / Lenle / Lenna / Lennard / Lenne / Lennerd / Lenni / Lennja / Lenny / Lenofski / Lenolz / Lenor / Lenosh / Lenotschka / Lenoxtitia / Lens / Lensch / Lensche / Lenschen / Lenschge / Lenschgo / Lenschi / Lensi / Lenska / Lenski / Lenu / Lenuschka / Leo / Leuna / Leunscha / Leynsch / Lila-Lena / Lilly / Lolena / Lonne / Lonny / Läna / Lännah / Löena / Löni / Lüena / Lünna / Lünnja / Lüyana / Nana / Neni

Similar first names

Leni, Lenna

Famous people

• Anna Lena Klenke (German actress)
• Jelena Sergejewna "Lena" Katina (singer in t.A.T.u.)
• Lena (river) (Eastern Siberian river)
• Lena (song) (performed by: PUR, album: Nichts ohne Grund; year: 1991)
• Lena Amende (American actress)
• Lena Belkina (singer from Ukraine)
• Lena Beyerling (actress)
• Lena Braun (German artist)
• Lena Chen (American writer)
• Lena Christ (1881–1920), Bavarian writer
• Lena the Snow Hare (character from "Lars the Polar Bear")
• Lena Dobler (* 1990), German musician
• Lena Dörrie (German actress)
• Lena Dunham (author & actress ("Girls"))
• Lena Düsterhöft (ice hockey player from Germany)
• Lena Ehlers (German actress)
• Lena Gercke (model)
• Lena Goeßling (footballer)
• Lena Göllner (footballer from Germany)
• Lena Headey (actress)