Last Name Zena

The origin of the surname Zena is uncertain and can be traced back to various sources with different origins. One possible source suggests that it could be of Greek origin, derived from the female given name Zenon, which means "life" or "women's liberation." Another theory suggests that it might be a variant of the Hebrew name Zenaim or Zenaiah, meaning "beauty of Yahweh." It is also possible that the surname Zena could have origins in other languages and cultures. For example, in some African languages, Zena means "gift" or "grace." In Sanskrit, Zenah means "pure" or "clear," and in Aramaic, Zena means "joy." Without more specific context or information about a particular individual or family with the surname Zena, it is difficult to determine its exact origin with certainty.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zena

The meaning and origin of the last name Zena

The surname Zena is of Hebrew origin and is derived from the biblical name "Zion," which refers to Mount Zion in Jerusalem. In Hebrew, the name Zion means "fortress" or "city of God." As a surname, Zena has been used primarily among Jews of Sephardic descent, as well as among some Christians in various countries, particularly in Spain and Portugal. It is possible that the name was also adopted by converts to Christianity from Judaism in these regions. The use of Zena as a surname became more widespread during the Middle Ages, when Jewish families were forced to convert or face persecution. Today, the surname Zena can be found among Jews, Christians, and people of various ethnic backgrounds around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zena

The surname Zena has a predominantly African origin and is most commonly found in countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania due to historical ties with the Horn of Africa region. It is also present in other parts of Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Sudan. In the diaspora, Zena can be found in significant numbers among African communities in North America, Europe, and Australia. While it remains a relatively uncommon surname globally, its distribution reflects the historical migration patterns of people originating from the Horn of Africa.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zena

The surname Zena can be found with various spelling variants across different regions and cultures. Some common variations include Zenah, Zenna, Zeana, and Zenaa. In some instances, it might also be spelled as Seena or Zaina, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities. Additionally, the name could potentially have regional variations such as Zenae in certain European countries. These differences reflect both historical and geographical influences on surname spellings over time.

Famous people with the last name Zena

Notable individuals with the surname Zena include:

1. Lorraine Bracco (born Lorraine Anna Zanet Zacharia), an American actress best known for her roles in "The Sopranos" and "Goodfellas."
2. Lisa Zane, an American actress who has appeared in films such as "Drugstore Cowboy," "The Doors," and "Lethal Weapon 3."
3. Eleanor Roosevelt Zenaida Mendoza (known professionally as Zenaida Mendoza), a Filipino-American soprano who performed opera and sacred music internationally.
4. Randy Zena, an American film director and screenwriter known for films such as "The Perfect Husband: The Laci Peterson Story" and "Gideon's Crossing."
5. Zenaida Yanowsky, a British ballerina who was principal dancer with the Royal Ballet from 1987 to 2013.
6. Yara Zaya, a Ukrainian television personality and model who rose to fame on the American reality television series "90 Day Fiancé."

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields including acting, music, and television.

Genealogical research on the last name Zena

The surname Zena has roots in various regions, with its origins tracing back to multiple sources. One theory suggests that it could be of Hebrew origin, derived from the name Zechariah or Zachariah, meaning "the Lord remembers." Another hypothesis proposes a possible Italian origin, stemming from the place-name Zeno, a town in Lombardy. The surname may also have a Jewish Ashkenazi origin, originating as a patronymic from the personal name Zeev or Zevi, meaning "wolf" in Hebrew. The distribution of the name is widespread, with significant populations found in Israel, Italy, and countries with large Italian-American communities such as the United States. Further genealogical research into specific family lines may provide more detailed insights into the origins and migrations of individuals bearing the surname Zena.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zena"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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