Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Lena
GirlGerman, Scandinavian· “short form of Helena or Magdalena”
- Meaning
- short form of Helena or Magdalena
- Origin
- German, Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- LEE-nuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #279
- US babies 2025
- 1,106
- Best rank
- #41 (1884)
- Peak year
- 1917
Meaning and origin of Lena
Lena is a German and Scandinavian name that is usually said to mean “short form of Helena or Magdalena”.
Lena began as a short form of names ending in -lena, especially Helena and Magdalena, and it has been used independently for a long time in Germany, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. Helena comes from the Greek Helene, whose meaning is uncertain, while Magdalena refers to Mary Magdalene, of Magdala. The singer and actress Lena Horne gave the name a glamorous American image. Lena is short, gentle and international, pronounced LEE-nuh in English and often LAY-nah in Europe. It has a vintage feel that suits current tastes for simple classic names.
Popularity over time
Lena has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #41 in 1884, and the most babies received it in 1917, when 3,004 were named Lena. In 2025, 1,106 babies were named Lena, and it ranked #279 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #98 in 1920, #309 in 1950, #434 in 1980, #546 in 2000, #376 in 2010, and #279 in 2025. Of the 146,479 US girls named Lena since records began, 16% were born in the 1910s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 22,844 babies. Since 2010, 17,451 more have been named Lena.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Jennie, Opal, Blanche, Marguerite, and Mae.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Lena ranked highest in Vermont, District of Columbia, and Pennsylvania.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | #85 | 5 |
| District of Columbia | #134 | 6 |
| Pennsylvania | #135 | 79 |
| Michigan | #137 | 61 |
| Connecticut | #153 | 20 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Lena is usually pronounced LEE-nuh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with L and ends in “-na”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Lina, Leena, and Leana.
Middle names for Lena
A few middle names that flow with Lena: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Lena
Similar names
Mina Girl
MEE-nuh
“short form of names like Wilhelmina” · German
#597
Ina Girl
EE-nuh
“short form of names ending in -ina” · Latin
#2,627
Anna Girl
AN-uh
“grace, favor” · Hebrew
#107
Jana Girl
JA-nuh
“God is gracious” · Czech
#1,247
Mena Girl
MEE-nuh
“variant of Mina” · German
#6,257
Ana Girl
AH-nuh
“grace, favor (form of Anna)” · Spanish
#245
Jenna Girl
JEN-uh
“variant of Jennifer, 'fair one'” · English
#679
Nina Girl
NEE-nuh
“short form of names like Antonina” · Russian
#324
Lana Girl
LAH-nuh
“short form of Alana or Svetlana” · English
#406
Karina Girl
kuh-REE-nuh
“dear; also a form of Karin” · Scandinavian
#750
Danna Girl
DAH-nuh
“variant of Dana; origin uncertain” · Spanish
#394
Hanna Girl
HA-nuh
“grace, favor” · Hebrew
#512
Lists that include Lena
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lena mean?
Lena is a German and Scandinavian name that is usually said to mean “short form of Helena or Magdalena”.
What is the origin of the name Lena?
Lena has German, Scandinavian, and Greek roots. Lena began as a short form of names ending in -lena, especially Helena and Magdalena, and it has been used independently for a long time in Germany, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.
Is Lena a popular name?
Yes. Lena ranked #279 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Lena a boy or girl name?
Lena is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Lena?
Lena is usually pronounced LEE-nuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings