Jena

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.

Jena is also given to boys.

Pronounced JEN-uh.

As of October 2026, Jena ranked #6067 in US births in 1988 SSA.