N
NamyLab

Lena

female
Updated 7 months ago

Meaning

"Light or Torch"

Lena functions as a shortened form of several names, often associated with Helen and the idea of light.

Themes:shortformheleninternationallight
VintageRetroClassicTraditionalTimeless

Fact-checked by Dr. Elena Vasquez

Ph.D. Medieval History, StanfordPublished Academic ResearcherHistory Professor (Adjunct) • Historical Names Consultant

This name has been verified against authoritative sources including SSA data, etymology databases, and cultural naming traditions.

Popularity History of Lena

Full SSA rank history from 1880 to 2024

#263Top 500

Loading chart...

Yearly Ranking Snapshot

Pick any SSA release year to inspect that year's national ranking and how it changed from the year before.

Selected Year Rank
#263

Lena was nationally ranked in 2024.

Change Vs Previous Year
+7

better than 2023

Data Source

Popularity rankings are based on official data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), which tracks baby name applications in the United States.

Last updated: 2024 • Data source updated annually

Lena Nicknames

Familiar short forms, playful variations, and easy everyday options for Lena.

10 ideas
Len
Nickname
Leni
Nickname
leny
Nickname
lena
Nickname
ly
Nickname
lo
Nickname
lenay
Nickname
lenaie
Nickname
len
Nickname
le
Nickname

Similar Names to Lena

female

Anna

AN-uh

“Grace; Favor”

#94
|Hebrew
female

Ashley

“Ash Tree Clearing”

#124
|English
female

Amy

AY-mee

“Beloved”

#228
|French
female

Angela

AN-juh-luh

“Messenger; Angel”

#282
|Greek
female

Alice

“Noble Kind”

#62
|Germanic
female

Andrea

“Manly, Courageous”

#185
|Greek
female

Annie

“Grace, Favor”

#191
|Hebrew
female

Alexis

uh-LEK-sis

“Defender; Helper”

#506
|Greek
female

Ava

AY-vuh

“Birdlike; Life”

#9
|Germanic
female

Allison

“Noble Kind”

#99
|French

Baby Name Lists That Include Lena

Browse every Namylab list page that currently includes Lena, from meaning and origin collections to letter, syllable, and themed baby name lists.

25 linked lists

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Lena mean?
Lena means "Light or Torch". Lena functions as a shortened form of several names, often associated with Helen and the idea of light.
What is the origin of Lena?
Lena is of Greek origin. The name has been used historically across cultures and carries significant cultural meaning within its origin tradition.
How popular is the name Lena?
According to the latest SSA data, Lena is currently ranked #263 in the United States. The name has shown interesting trends over the past century, with popularity varying based on cultural preferences and naming trends.
Is Lena a girl name?
Lena is traditionally a girl name. However, modern naming practices are increasingly flexible, and names can be used across genders based on personal preference.
What are good nicknames for Lena?
Popular nicknames for Lena include Len, Leni, leny, lena, and more. These offer shorter, more casual alternatives for everyday use.
What names are similar to Lena?
There are many names similar to Lena in meaning, origin, or sound. Explore the Similar Names section to discover alternatives that may resonate with you.

Quick Facts

OriginGreek, Slavic, Germanic
Syllables2
Length4 letters
US Rank#263
Trend↑ Rising
Starts withL

Sibling Ideas

Explore More Girl Names Like Lena

Lena has Greek roots, making it a wonderful choice if you love names from this heritage. Discover more options in our Greek baby names collection, where you'll find hundreds of names with similar cultural depth.

Lena appears in several of our curated collections. Check out Names That Mean Light and Timeless Classic Baby Names for more names with a similar feel. You might also enjoy browsing Vintage Baby Names and Classic Greek Baby Names.

Before you decide, try our Full Name Preview to see how Lena pairs with your surname. The Sibling Name Matcher can help find names that complement Lena beautifully, and the Nickname Predictor reveals the most common short forms.

Explore our full baby name lists for origin-based, meaning-based, and themed collections, or head back to the baby name generator to continue your search.