Popularity
42
/100
At a glance
Lena is a girl name with Greek, Latin, Slavic roots, most associated with the idea of light, bright, shining.
Meaning
Light, bright, shining
Origin
Greek, Latin, Slavic
Gender
Girl / Female
Pronunciation
LEE-nuh
Name story
What Lena communicates
Lena is a girl name of Greek, Latin, Slavic origin meaning "Light, bright, shining". That gives it a clear, rooted emotional tone that is easy to connect with and quick to remember.
It is pronounced LEE-nuh and sits at a popularity score of 42/100 in our index, which suggests how widely it is chosen today. Names in this range tend to appeal to parents who want something recognizable yet still distinctive.
If Lena feels close but not quite right, the related names and theme links below lead to options that share its Greek, Latin, Slavic heritage or its core idea of "Light, bright, shining". Comparing a few side by side is the easiest way to settle on the name that fits your family best.
Famous People Named Lena
- LLena Horne
- LLena Dunham
Names with Similar Meanings
Names that share similar themes and meanings with Lena
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Lena mean?
The name Lena means "Light, bright, shining". It is a name of Greek, Latin, Slavic origin that has been carried across many cultures and generations. The meaning reflects qualities valued in Greek, Latin, Slavic naming tradition, which is part of why parents who want a name with a clear, positive sense often choose Lena.
What is the origin of the name Lena?
Lena originates from Greek, Latin, Slavic. Names of Greek, Latin, Slavic origin tend to carry deep historical and cultural significance, shaped by language, religion, and tradition over centuries. Lena fits that pattern: its roots give it the meaning "Light, bright, shining" and connect it to a long lineage of related names that share the same heritage.
Is Lena a popular name?
Lena appears on baby-name popularity charts across many English-speaking countries. Its usage has shifted across generations, rising and falling with cultural moments, famous bearers, and naming trends. You can see where Lena sits relative to other names on its popularity score above, and compare it with similar names in the same style.
What names are similar to Lena?
Names similar to Lena include those with shared origins, related meanings, or a similar sound and rhythm. The related names and similar-meaning sections above list strong alternatives, so if you love Lena but want options, you can explore names that carry the same Greek, Latin, Slavic heritage or the same idea of "Light, bright, shining".
How do you pronounce Lena?
Lena is pronounced "LEE-nuh". Pronunciation can vary slightly by region and language, but this guide reflects the most common way the name Lena is said.
Is Lena a boy or a girl name?
Lena is most commonly used as a girl name. Like many names it can cross gender lines depending on culture, era, and family preference, but its Greek, Latin, Slavic roots and traditional usage are reflected on this page. If you want a clearly gender-neutral option, browse our unisex names for alternatives.
What does the name Lena symbolize?
The name Lena symbolizes "Light, bright, shining". That theme gives Lena a distinct emotional tone that many parents connect with, and it links the name to a wider family of names built on the same idea. Exploring names that share the meaning "Light, bright, shining" is a good way to find alternatives with a similar feeling.
Is Lena a good baby name?
Lena is a meaningful choice: it carries the meaning "Light, bright, shining", has clear Greek, Latin, Slavic heritage, and a recognizable pronunciation. Whether it is the right baby name depends on your taste, family traditions, and how it pairs with your surname.