Dena is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin. Its meaning is derived from the Hebrew word "daniella," which means "God is my judge." The name Dena is also associated with the biblical figure Daniel, who was known for his wisdom and righteousness.
The name Dena has a long history, dating back to ancient times. In the Bible, Daniel was one of the prophets who served under King Nebuchadnezzar II in Babylon. He was renowned for his ability to interpret dreams and visions, which earned him the respect and admiration of the king.
Throughout history, the name Dena has been popular among Jewish families as a way to honor their religious heritage and traditions. In recent years, however, the name has gained popularity beyond its traditional Jewish roots and is now commonly used among people of various ethnicities and backgrounds.
Today, Dena remains a unique and beautiful name that carries with it a rich history and meaningful symbolism. It is often associated with qualities such as wisdom, righteousness, and strength of character, reflecting the legacy of the biblical figure Daniel who inspired its origin.
The name Dena has been a popular choice among parents in the United States since the late 19th century. Between 1880 and 2023, there have been a total of 32,413 births recorded for girls named Dena.
Throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, the number of births for the name Dena fluctuated between single digits and low double digits. However, starting in the 1940s, there was a significant increase in its popularity. In 1947, there were 223 births, marking the first time that over 200 girls were named Dena in a single year.
The peak of Dena's popularity occurred during the baby boom era of the mid-1950s to late 1960s. In 1962, there were 905 births, and this number continued to rise, reaching an all-time high of 1,541 births in 1970.
However, like many names that experience a surge in popularity, Dena's prevalence began to decline in the late 1970s. By the early 1980s, the number of annual births for girls named Dena fell below 500 and has continued to decrease since then.
Despite its decline in popularity, Dena remains a timeless name choice. Even as recently as 2022, there were still 35 births recorded for girls named Dena, demonstrating that this name continues to appeal to parents across generations.