Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Alena is a Slavic name derived from Helena, which has Greek origins meaning 'light' or 'torch'. It has evolved from historical forms such as Helena and Alenka. Today, it is seen as a modern and elegant name, with no direct biblical relevance. Alena has gained popularity particularly in Eastern Europe and has notable variants like Helena and Lena.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/əˈleɪ.nə/
Origin
Slavic
Etymology
Alena is derived from the Slavic name Helena, which ultimately comes from the Ancient Greek name Helene, meaning 'torch' or 'light'.
Meaning
light, torch
Language Evolution
Helena, Alena, Alenka
Historical Usage
Alena gained popularity in Eastern European countries, particularly among Slavic communities, during the 20th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Helena, Alenka, Lena
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Alena is perceived as a modern and elegant name, often favored for its simplicity and beauty.
Famous People
Alena Seredova, Alena Vinnitskaya, Alena Shishkova
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 499 peak births in 2015
Geographic Spread
Popular across 40 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (9 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 9 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1974th of 9107 | 327 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2658th of 9204 | 203 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2324th of 12526 | 434 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1363rd of 19264 | 1,275 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1082nd of 27321 | 2,522 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 722nd of 35406 | 5,873 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 700th of 30306 | 4,929 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
100.00% 2366th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
100.00% 2353rd/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
100.00% 2227th/2227 |
77.16% 1875th/2430 |
95.37% 2721st/2853 |
68.36% 1897th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
57.00% 1674th/2937 |
41.95% 1461st/3483 |
53.81% 1893rd/3518 |
28.31% 1145th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
27.22% 1003rd/3685 |
24.07% 1077th/4475 |
27.80% 1444th/5194 |
14.91% 942nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
13.51% 619th/4582 |
15.47% 799th/5164 |
11.55% 845th/7313 |
8.87% 662nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
17.29% 689th/3984 |
15.67% 703rd/4487 |
10.86% 741st/6822 |
10.63% 667th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Nevada across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1974th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2658th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2324th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1363rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1082nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 722nd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 700th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.