Jena

JEH-nuh; JEE-nuh; JUH-nuh
Diminutive of Jennifer, variation of Gina, English, Arabic, "white wave; paradise"
"white wave; paradise"

Jena Origin and Meaning

The name Jena is a girl's name of Polish, Sanskrit origin meaning "white wave; paradise".

Jena is a succinct name with a number of different roots, making it a versatile choice. On one hand, it might be used as a diminutive for the 70s favorite Jennifer, a name of Cornish origin that was hugely popular in a number of countries in the latter half of the 20th century. Jena might feel sleeker and more contemporary to some than the long form.

Alternatively, it might be used as a variation of Gina, a short form of names such as Angelina, Eugenia, Georgina, Luigina, and Regina. This spelling may appeal to those who like the sound of Gina but are concerned about teasing potential (in English speaking countries), or those who are honoring a Jean, as it shares the sounds and the letters.

Jena is also occasionally used as a Polish variation of Janna, itself a short form of Johana and therefore linked to John. As a Czech name, it might also be used as an Anglicized spelling of Jéňa, a pet name for a Jenovéfa, the Czech form of Genevieve.

From its Arabic roots, Jena means "paradise" or "garden" from janna. It may alternatively be rendered as Jannah, Jennah, and Jinan in Arabic and Cennet in Turkish.

# 971 in the US

Jena Rank in US Top 1000

Famous People Named Jena

  • Jena Malone
    American actress
  • Jena Irene
    American Idol Season 13 runner,up