Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Dena has its roots in Hebrew, derived from the name Dinah, meaning 'judged' or 'vindicated'. It has evolved from its biblical origins through Latin into a modern form. Dena is often seen as a friendly and warm name, with biblical relevance through its connection to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah. The name gained popularity in the 20th century and has several variants.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈdiːnə/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Dena is derived from the Hebrew name 'Dinah', which means 'judged' or 'vindicated'.
Meaning
judged, vindicated
Language Evolution
Dinah (Hebrew), Dina (Latinized form), Dena (modern English adaptation)
Biblical Background
Dena is a variation of Dinah, who was the daughter of Jacob and Leah in the Bible.
Historical Usage
The name Dinah has been used since biblical times, but Dena gained popularity in the 20th century as a modern variation.
Variants & Derivatives
Dinah, Dina, Deena
Modern Popularity & Image
Dena is perceived as a modern and approachable name, often associated with warmth and friendliness.
Famous People
Dena Blizzard, a comedian and author, Dena Merriam, a notable yoga teacher and author
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,541 peak births in 1970
Geographic Spread
Popular across 49 US states, with strongest presence in Oklahoma
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (10 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 10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 7552nd of 7552 | 5 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6381st of 10718 | 36 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 12845th of 16616 | 15 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 714th of 9107 | 1,833 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 830th of 9204 | 1,372 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 424th of 12526 | 8,929 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 297th of 19264 | 13,930 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 753rd of 27321 | 4,102 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 2450th of 35406 | 1,125 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 4094th of 30306 | 430 |
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) |
40.61% 575th/1416 |
57.65% 795th/1379 |
45.65% 1080th/2366 |
63.57% 726th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
48.12% 744th/1546 |
51.29% 798th/1556 |
45.22% 1064th/2353 |
46.74% 723rd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
17.33% 386th/2227 |
22.72% 552nd/2430 |
15.28% 436th/2853 |
12.83% 356th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
9.50% 279th/2937 |
10.54% 367th/3483 |
8.24% 290th/3518 |
6.87% 278th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
16.88% 622nd/3685 |
14.06% 629th/4475 |
16.81% 873rd/5194 |
14.75% 932nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
37.54% 1720th/4582 |
34.55% 1784th/5164 |
49.36% 3610th/7313 |
41.75% 3116th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
57.53% 2292nd/3984 |
63.34% 2842nd/4487 |
- |
91.95% 5771st/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 Oklahoma across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled 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 Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 7552nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6381st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 12845th out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 714th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 830th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 424th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 297th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 753rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2450th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4094th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.