Lena: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days are cultural traditions, especially prominent in Europe, where individuals celebrate the day associated with the saint or feast connected to their given name. The name Lena boasts a significant history in the USA, establishing itself as a classic, understated feminine choice. Derived historically from names meaning "light" or "tower," its origin speaks to depth and grace. The mood associated with Lena is frequently described as elegant, soft, and beautifully timeless. Furthermore, this enduring name is recognized with established name days across multiple countries, including the USA, Bulgaria, and Sweden.
Name Day: Dates by Country
Lena's name day is celebrated
on July 22 in Bulgaria and Greece,
August 18 in Sweden and the USA,
September 28 in Norway and
November 10 in Poland.
The Story Behind This Name
Lena has maintained steady popularity in the United States, often peaking in the early 20th century. While it experienced a dip mid-century, the name has seen subsequent revivals reflecting a trend toward classic, short names. Historically, it was frequently used as a standalone name rather than strictly a nickname for Helena or Magdalena in the American context. The name’s simplicity has allowed it to transcend various naming trends over the decades. It remains a recognizable and accessible choice for parents seeking a traditional yet understated feminine given name in the USA.
Name origin and meaning
The name Lena primarily functions as a short form derived from longer names, most commonly Helena or Magdalena. In the context of Helena, the meaning is often linked to the Greek element meaning "light" or "bright." If traced to Magdalena, the name carries connections to the biblical place name Magdala, signifying "tower" or "elevated." It is widely used across Germanic, Slavic, and Scandinavian languages as an independent name. Regardless of its specific root, Lena carries associations of classic grace and historical depth.
Name Identity: Gender Classification
Globally, Lena is overwhelmingly identified as a feminine given name. It is classified almost exclusively as female across European, North American, and South American naming systems. However, its brevity means it sometimes appears as a surname in certain regions. In places like Italy or Russia, it is firmly established in the canon of traditional female names. Therefore, for naming purposes worldwide, Lena functions primarily as a definitively female name.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
Lena projects a distinctly soft yet confident mood due to its elegant simplicity. The tone is often perceived as classic, gentle, and inherently feminine. It avoids sounding overly trendy, instead offering a sophisticated and timeless vibe. The name evokes a personality that might be seen as artistic or romantic, yet grounded and practical. Its brevity lends it a fresh and slightly playful energy despite its deep historical roots.
Mirror Magic: Lena & Anel
Some names hold a hidden surprise—when reversed, they reveal another beautiful and valid name. This playful symmetry adds a unique charm, making the pair feel like secret reflections of each other. Whether by chance or design, these reversible names create a fascinating linguistic connection between two identities.
See also:
Anel: Name Day, Name Meaning & More Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Lena
Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.
Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name
Destiny number: 5 – The Freedom Seeker.
Keywords: Adventure, change, curiosity, independence, versatility.
Positive Traits: Adaptable, energetic, adventurous, progressive, dynamic.
Challenges: Can be reckless, restless, or avoid responsibility.
Life Path Meaning: A path of embracing change, exploration, and personal freedom.
Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights
First name number: 5 - The Adventurer.
Traits: Energetic, freedom-loving, curious, adaptable.
Strengths: Versatile, enjoys new experiences, quick thinker.
Challenges: Can be restless, impulsive, or lack focus.
The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You
The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Mercury - Communication, Intelligence, Adaptability.
Mercury is the planet of intellect, speech, and agility. Names under Mercury’s influence often belong to individuals who are quick-witted, analytical, and articulate. They thrive in social interactions, learning environments, and dynamic situations where adaptability is key. These names tend to reflect intelligence, curiosity, and the ability to process information quickly.
Name days: Name Lena
This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
 Bulgaria | July | 22 | Lena, Magda, Magdalena, Manda, Meglena, Miglena |
 Greece | July | 22 | Lena, Magda, Magdalena, Magdalini, Markella |
 Sweden | August | 18 | Ellen, Lena |
 USA | August | 18 | Aileen, Eileen, Elaina, Elaine, Eleanor, Elena, Eliana, Ella, Elle, Ellen, Ellie, Helen, Helena, Iliana, Lena, Leonora, Nell, Nellie, Nelly |
 Norway | September | 28 | Lena, Lene |
 Poland | November | 10 | Andrzej, Lena, Leon, Ludomir, Nelly, Nimfa, Probus, Stefan |
Name days: Similar names (Lena)
Here you’ll find name days for names that are similar in spelling, pronunciation, or origin. Many cultures group related names together, even if they are not identical. If your name has a close variation, you may find relevant name day dates in this section.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
| Bulgaria | January | 1 | Vasil, Vasilena, Vesela, Veselin, Veselina |
| USA | January | 12 | Alain, Alaina, Alan, Alana, Alanna, Alayna, Allan, Allen, Allena, Lana, Lanna |
 Czechia | January | 24 | Milena |
| Czechia | February | 9 | Apolena |
| Bulgaria | March | 2 | Milen, Milena |
 Lithuania | March | 2 | Dautara, Eitautas, Elena, Marcelinas |
| Poland | March | 2 | Absalon, Franciszek, Halszka, Helena, Henryk, Januaria, Krzysztof, Lew, Michał, Paweł, Piotr, Radosław, Symplicjusz |
| Czechia | March | 16 | Elena, Herbert |
 Latvia | March | 20 | Irbe, Made, Magda, Magdalena |
 Slovakia | March | 27 | Alena |
| Slovakia | April | 9 | Milena |
| Poland | April | 23 | Adalbert, Gerard, Gerarda, Gerhard, Helena, Jerzy, Wojciech |
| Poland | May | 13 | Andrzej, Aron, Ciechosław, Gloria, Magdalena, Piotr, Robert, Roberta, Serwacy |
 Finland | May | 19 | Amalia, Amelia, Emilia, Emma, Emmi, Mila, Milena, Milja, Milka, Milla |
| Greece | May | 19 | Magdalini, Markella, Marylena, Menandrios, Patrick |
| Bulgaria | May | 21 | Dicho, Dinko, Dinko, Elena, Elenko, Eli, Elin, Elka, Ilona, Kojcho, Konstantin, Kosta, Kostadin, Kostadina, Kostadinka, Kostadinko, Kuncho, Lenko, Lenko, Stamen, Stanimir, Stanimira, Stanka, Stoian, Stoil, Stoyan, Stoyanka, Trayko |
 Croatia | May | 22 | Jagoda, Jelena, Milan, Renata, Rita |
| Lithuania | May | 22 | Aldona, Eimantas, Elena, Julija, Rita |
| Poland | May | 22 | Emil, Helena, Jan, Julia, Krzesisława, Rita, Wiesław, Wiesława, Wisława |
| Latvia | May | 24 | Agate, Anslavs, Estere, Ilvija, Marlena, Ziedone |
| Poland | May | 25 | Epifan, Grzegorz, Imisława, Maria Magdalena, Urban |
| USA | May | 25 | Madalyn, Madeleine, Madeline, Madelyn, Madilyn, Marlee, Marleen, Marlena, Marlene, Marley |
| Poland | May | 27 | Beda, Izydor, Jan, Juliusz, Lucjan, Magdalena, Radowit |
| Lithuania | May | 29 | Algedas, Erdvile, Magdalena, Magde |
| Poland | May | 29 | Bogusława, Maksymilian, Maria Magdalena, Teodor, Teodozja |
| Poland | June | 1 | Alfons, Alfonsyna, Bernard, Fortunat, Gracjana, Hortensjusz, Jakub, Konrad, Konrada, Magdalena, Nikodem, Symeon, Świętopełk |
| Poland | June | 13 | Antoni, Chociemir, Herman, Lucjan, Maria Magdalena, Tobiasz |
 Austria | June | 17 | Adolf, Alena, Volker |
| Poland | June | 27 | Maria Magdalena, Władysław, Władysława, Włodzisław |
| Poland | July | 16 | Andrzej, Benedykt, Dziersław, Dzierżysław, Eustachiusz, Eustachy, Faust, Maria Magdalena, Marika, Ostap, Ruta, Stefan |
| Poland | July | 17 | Aleksander, Aleksy, Andrzej, Bogdan, Dzierżykraj, Januaria, Julietta, Leon, Marceli, Marcelina, Maria Magdalena |
| Austria | July | 22 | Maria Magdalena |
| Croatia | July | 22 | Marija Magdalena |
| Czechia | July | 22 | Magdaléna |
 Germany | July | 22 | Magdalena |
 Italy | July | 22 | Maria Maddalena |
| Lithuania | July | 22 | Dalius, Magdalena, Mantile, Marija |
| Poland | July | 22 | Albin, Bolesława, Bolisława, Laurencjusz, Maria Magdalena, Milenia, Pankracy, Wawrzyniec, Więcemiła |
| Slovakia | July | 22 | Magdaléna |
 Spain | July | 22 | Magdalena, Primitiva, Teófila, Zaida, Zoraida |
| Sweden | July | 22 | Madeleine, Magdalena |
| USA | July | 22 | Amaya, Magda, Magdalen, Magdalena, Magdalene |
 Russia | July | 24 | Elena, Olga |
| Finland | July | 31 | Elena, Helena |
| Lithuania | July | 31 | Elena, Ignotas, Sanginas, Vykinte |
| Poland | July | 31 | Beatus, Demokryt, Emilian, Ernesta, Ernestyna, Helena, Iga, Ignacja, Ignacy, Justyn, Ludomir, Żegota |
| Sweden | July | 31 | Elin, Helena |
| Czechia | August | 13 | Alena |
| Poland | August | 13 | Diana, Dianna, Gertruda, Helena, Hipolit, Hipolita, Jan, Kasjan, Radomiła, Wojbor |
| Austria | August | 18 | Claudia, Helena, Rainaki |
| Croatia | August | 18 | Bl. Manes, Jelena Križarica |
| Czechia | August | 18 | Helena |
 Estonia | August | 18 | Elina, Heleene, Helen, Helena, Helene, Hell, Hella, Helle, Hellen, Helli, Ilona |
| Italy | August | 18 | Elena |
| Latvia | August | 18 | Helena, Liene |
| Poland | August | 18 | Agapit, Bogusława, Bronisz, Bronisław, Helena, Ilona, Klara, Tworzysława |
| Slovakia | August | 18 | Helena |
| Spain | August | 18 | Elena |
| USA | October | 21 | Celina, Celine, Nobel, Selena, Selina, Ursula, Wanda, Wendall, Wendell, Wendy |
| Poland | October | 23 | Iga, Ignacja, Ignacy, Jan, Marlena, Odilla, Roman, Seweryn, Teodor, Włościsław, Żegota |
 Hungary | November | 6 | Lénárd |
| Czechia | November | 17 | Mahulena |
| Sweden | December | 10 | Malena, Malin |
| USA | December | 16 | Addie, Addy, Adela, Adelaide, Adele, Adeline, Adella, Adelle, Alena, Alina, Aline, Della |
Lena A Classic Name Summary
Lena stands as a quintessential female name celebrated globally for its brevity and elegance. Historically prominent in the USA, its appeal lies in its traditional roots and approachable simplicity. The name's origins connect it strongly to meanings related to light, reinforcing its bright and classic mood. Identified universally as feminine, Lena provides a sense of established grace. It is a name celebrated across various cultures, evident by its observance of specific name days in countries like Norway, Poland, and Greece.
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