Zena
Zena is a girl's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Life of Zeus, guest, or stranger.
Origin and history
Zena is a given name of Greek origin, often considered a short form of Zenobia or related to Zeus, meaning 'life of Zeus' or 'guest'. It has been used steadily in the United States since the late 19th century as a compact, distinct feminine name. While not among the most common names, it remains an appealing classic alternative to similar-sounding names like Xena or Lena.
Popularity in the United States
5,986 babies in the United States have been named Zena since 1880. It ranks #2204 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1603.
States where it is most popular
- CA (24.9 %)
- NY (24.8 %)
- TX (12.3 %)
- FL (6 %)
- MI (4.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 77 |
| 1890-1900 | 133 |
| 1900-1910 | 155 |
| 1910-1920 | 347 |
| 1920-1930 | 432 |
| 1930-1940 | 229 |
| 1940-1950 | 207 |
| 1950-1960 | 283 |
| 1960-1970 | 1,041 |
| 1970-1980 | 343 |
| 1980-1990 | 509 |
| 1990-2000 | 735 |
| 2000-2010 | 411 |
| 2010-2019 | 585 |
| 2020-2029 | 499 |
Famous people named Zena
- Zena Grey: Actress
- Zena Marshall: Actress
Fun facts
- Zena shares etymological origins with names connected to the chief Greek deity Zeus.
- The name Zena has appeared in U.S. birth records in every decade since official tracking began in 1880.