Lena: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced LEN-uh · 2 syllables
Lena means “light (from Helena)”, from Greek.
The female name is from the Scandinavian, German and Russian pet form of Helena, Magdalena and Yelena (also spelled Elena). The river in Yakutia is from Russian (Lena), from Evenki (Jeljujen, “the Large River”). Compare to Yakut (Oluone). (Norwegian river): Probably related to Old Norse leir (“clay”) (see the references). (Town in Toten): From Old Norse lein.
- Meaning
- light (from Helena)
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- LEN-uh
- US rank (2025)
- #279
- US babies a year
- about 1,483 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1890
- Style
- Vintage, Comeback, Classic
How popular is Lena?
Lena was the #279 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,106 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1890.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #279 |
| England & Wales | #186 |
| Scotland | #157 |
| Northern Ireland | #178 |
| Ireland | #267 |
| France | #23 |
| Norway | #286 |
| Canada | #78 |
| Australia | #239 |
How old are people named Lena?
Half of US adults named Lena are older than 49; most are between 19 and 86. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Lena
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Lena have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
- Inari
- Athina
- Olli
- Bibi
- Kostas
- Mats
- Cyrus
- Kristoffer
- Anja
- Annika
- Stanislav
Names like Lena
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Lena
What does the name Lena mean?
Lena means “light (from Helena)”. It comes from Greek.
How do you pronounce Lena?
Lena is pronounced LEN-uh.
How popular is the name Lena?
Lena was the #279 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,106 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1890.
How old are people named Lena?
Half of US adults named Lena are older than 49. Most are between 19 and 86.