Lenya

A friendly sounding choice with European charm, Lenya has a number of possible origins. On one hand, it can be seen as an anglicization of the German compound name Lenja, created by blending Lena with either Anja, Tanja, or Maja, giving it the meanings "graceful shining torch" or "beloved shining torch".

Alternatively, it may simply be used as an alternative spelling or form of the classic Helen and its international variations Olena, Yalena, and Alena.

As a masculine name, it is a Russian diminutive of Leonid, meaning "lion", and it it also the name of a town and river in Burma and a crater on Mars.

A notable bearer is Icelandic politician, Lenya Rún Taha Karim, while Instagrammer Jaden McGrew chose it for her daughter in 2024.

Pronounced LEN-yuh.

As of October 2026, Lenya ranked #14452 in US births in 2024 SSA, peaked at #7106 in 1961.