Jenna

Complete Name Analysis & Etymology Guide
148,419 Total Births
145 Years of Data
1985 Peak Popularity Year
6,454 Peak Births

Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis

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Summary

Jenna is an English name derived from the Cornish name Gwenhwyfar, meaning 'fairness' or 'white enchantress.' It evolved from Jennifer and gained popularity in the late 20th century. The name is associated with traits of youthfulness and femininity and has no biblical relevance.

Etymology & Cultural Background

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Pronunciation

/ˈdʒɛnə/

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Origin

English

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Etymology

The name Jenna is often considered a derivative of the name Jennifer, which itself comes from the Cornish name Gwenhwyfar, meaning 'white phantom' or 'white enchantress.' It was popularized in the 20th century and has various interpretations.

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Meaning

fairness, white, or soft

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Language Evolution

Gwenhwyfar, Jennifer, Jenna

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Historical Usage

Jenna became popular in the United States in the late 20th century, particularly after the 1980s, partly due to its use in popular culture.

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Variants & Derivatives

Jen, Jenny, Jenni

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Modern Popularity & Image

Currently, Jenna is viewed as a modern and approachable name. It is often associated with youthfulness and femininity.

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Famous People

Jenna Fischer - American actress known for her role in 'The Office', Jenna Dewan - American actress and dancer, Jenna Ortega - American actress known for her roles in various television series and films

📊 Trend Analysis

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Boy Name Trend

Recent 3-Year Analysis

3-Year Trend: Stable
25-Year Trend: Relatively Stable
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Girl Name Trend

Recent 3-Year Analysis

3-Year Trend: Stable
25-Year Trend: Gradually Declining

Explore More Name Visualizations

Key Insights

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Popularity Trend

Highly Popular name with 6,454 peak births in 1985

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Geographic Spread

Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Minnesota

Historical Span

Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends

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Generational Impact

Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity

🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (12 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 12 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
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Boy 4426th of 16616 173
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Boy 10143rd of 24088 83
G.I. Generation (1901-1927) Girl 4339th of 9107 77
Silent Generation (1928-1945) Girl 2335th of 9204 247
Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Girl 1873rd of 12526 617
Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) Girl 533rd of 19264 5,653
Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) Girl 74th of 27321 67,048
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) Girl 76th of 35406 65,219
Generation Alpha (2013-2024) Girl 408th of 30306 9,302

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)
- - - 60.06%
3794th/6317
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
- - 49.49%
3619th/7313
-
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
- - - -

Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names

TOP(%) MidWest Northeast South West
G.I. Generation
(1901-1927)
- - - -
Silent Generation
(1928-1945)
- - 81.68%
1922nd/2353
-
Baby Boomers
(1946-1964)
87.20%
1942nd/2227
- 62.60%
1786th/2853
71.24%
1977th/2775
Generation X (Gen X)
(1965-1980)
15.97%
469th/2937
13.21%
460th/3483
21.57%
759th/3518
11.87%
480th/4044
Millennials (Gen Y)
(1981-1996)
1.63%
60th/3685
1.34%
60th/4475
2.06%
107th/5194
1.52%
96th/6317
Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers)
(1997-2012)
1.05%
48th/4582
0.99%
51st/5164
1.38%
101st/7313
1.58%
118th/7463
Generation Alpha
(2013-2024)
8.08%
322nd/3984
8.00%
359th/4487
6.80%
464th/6822
7.97%
500th/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 Minnesota across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the MidWest 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 gradually declining. From 2020-2022, usage has been falling for female in MidWest, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too rising for female in MidWest, too rising for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too rising for female in South, stalled for male in West, falling for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4426th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 10143rd out of 24088 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 4339th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2335th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1873rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 533rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 74th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 76th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 408th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.

Infographic: Name meaning, origin, and popularity trends in the United States (US baby name analysis chart)
[600x500px image] Etymology and historical popularity analysis
Infographic: Alternative spellings and similar pronunciation names
[600x500px image] Alternative spellings and similar pronunciation names