Last Name Lena

The surname Lena has origins that are widely dispersed across different cultures and regions. It is derived from several sources: 1. In Scandinavian countries (like Sweden, Norway, Denmark), Lena is a short form of Helena or Henrietta, which were popular names in the Middle Ages. 2. In Russian and Eastern European Jewish communities, Lena could be a diminutive form of names ending with "liana," such as Yelena, Agnelina, and others. 3. In some African cultures, Lena may have been derived from Ndela or similar names. 4. Additionally, in the Basque region of Spain and France, Lena could be a short form of Aitzol (meaning "heaven" in Basque). 5. Lastly, it is also found as a given name in various other languages, such as Latin (Leonarda), Greek (Leontina), Arabic (Layla), and more, where it could have been used as a surname in some cases.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lena

The meaning and origin of the last name Lena

The surname Lena is of Greek origin and has its roots in the male given name Leon (Lion) which was derived from the Greek word "leon," meaning lion. Over time, this male name evolved into a feminine form, Lena, in various countries. In Greece, the name Lena has been used as a given name for centuries, reflecting its deep-rooted history and cultural significance. The name is also popular in other regions, including Russia, Scandinavia, and Spain, where it may have different origins or meanings. In Russia, for instance, the name Lena can be derived from the word "elan," meaning "light" or "shining." In Scandinavian countries, Lena might have been introduced as a variant of Helena (Helen), which means "bright, shining one." The surname Lena, in its modern form, likely developed through the process of patronymics, where a person's surname is derived from their father's given name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lena

The surname Lena is predominantly distributed across Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia, where it is among the most common family names due to its association with the female given name, Lenochka or Lena, which is popular in that region. Additionally, variations such as Lenna and Leon are found primarily in Finland and Estonia respectively. Smaller populations bearing the surname Lena can also be found in other parts of Europe, including countries like Germany, Poland, Spain, and Ukraine. The name has also been exported to other continents through migration; for instance, there is a significant diaspora community in the United States that carries this surname. Overall, while the distribution of Lena as a surname is not global, it is geographically diverse, with concentrations primarily in Eastern Europe and its diaspora communities around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lena

The surname Lena has several variations and spellings across different languages and cultures. In English, it is commonly spelled as "Lena." However, there are also variations such as Lenna, Leena, Leane, Leeana, Liena, and Lijana. These variations can be found in various countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In some Slavic countries like Russia or Poland, Lena is a common female given name, and it may also be used as a surname in certain families. It is also a popular name in Finland and Estonia. The variation "Lehna" is found in Latvia, while "Lena" in Arabic-speaking countries can mean "tongue" or "language." These variations demonstrate the global reach of the name Lena.

Famous people with the last name Lena

Among the notable figures sharing the surname Lena are:

1. Lena Horne (1917-2010), an American singer, actress, and civil rights activist who was one of the first black performers to break racial barriers in Hollywood. She won a Tony Award for her performance in the musical "Jamaica" in 1958.

2. Lena Dunham (born 1986), an American actress, writer, and director known for creating, writing, producing, directing, and starring in the television series "Girls," which premiered on HBO in 2012. She has also published several books.

3. Lena Headey (born 1973), an English actress best known for her role as Cersei Lannister in the HBO fantasy series "Game of Thrones." Her career spans over two decades, with roles in films such as "The Brothers Grimm," "300," and "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles."

4. Lena Meyer-Landrut (born 1991), a German singer who won the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 with her self-penned song "Satellite." She is one of the most successful German participants in the contest's history.

5. Lena Platonos (born 1963), a Greek singer and musician who gained fame in the 1980s for her electronic pop music. Her hit singles include "Oi Thelo Na Sozou" and "Fteromali."

These women have made significant contributions to various fields, including music, acting, writing, and activism.

Genealogical research on the last name Lena

The surname Lena, while originating from multiple sources, predominantly has Scandinavian and Basque origins. In Scandinavia, Lena is a diminutive form of Helena, derived from the Greek name 'Elena,' meaning "shining light" or "brightness." This surname was brought to Europe by the Vikings during their invasions in the Middle Ages. On the other hand, in the Basque region of Spain and France, Lena is a common female given name with an unknown etymology. As for the distribution of the surname Lena globally, it is most prevalent in Scandinavian countries like Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland, as well as in the Basque Country, primarily in Spain and France. In America, the name Lena can be found among various immigrant populations, particularly those from Scandinavia and the Basque region.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lena"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends