Lena
Lena is a girl name of Greek origin meaning “Bright, shining light”, pronounced LEE-nuh. It ranked #279 in the United States in 2025, given to 1,106 babies, and peaked at #41 in 1884. Common nicknames: Len, Lenie.
How popular is Lena in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Lena mean, and where does it come from?
Lena began as a short form of longer names such as Helena, Magdalena, and Elena, all of which trace back to the Greek "helene," meaning "bright, shining light" or possibly "torch." Though originally a diminutive, Lena has been used as an independent given name since the 19th century across Scandinavian, German, and English-speaking countries. Its short, elegant sound and luminous meaning have made it a quietly enduring favorite that pairs well with more elaborate middle names.
How is Lena used around the world?
Lena is used in 6 languages worldwide, with 31+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Lena?
Famous People Named Lena
- Lena Dunham — American actress, writer, and director
- Lena Horne — American singer and actress
- Lena Headey — English actress known for Game of Thrones
Similar Names to Lena
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Sibling Name Ideas for Lena
Looking for names that pair well with Lena? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Lena mean?
Lena is a girl name of Greek origin meaning "Bright, shining light." Lena began as a short form of longer names such as Helena, Magdalena, and Elena, all of which trace back to the Greek "helene," meaning "bright, shining light" or possibly "torch." Though originally a diminutive, Lena has been used as an independent given name since the 19th century across Scandinavian, German, and English-speaking countries.
How do you pronounce Lena?
Lena is pronounced LEE-nuh. Common variations include Lina, Leena, Elena.
Is Lena a girl name?
Yes, Lena is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Len, Lenie.