Alena is a beautiful and unique female given name of Slavic origin. It is derived from the Slavic element "alene," which means "light" or "harmony." The name Alena has been used throughout Eastern Europe for centuries, particularly in countries such as Poland, Russia, Ukraine, and the Czech Republic.
The history of the name Alena can be traced back to ancient times. In Old Slavonic, the name was spelled "Alene" and was used to refer to a bright or shining light. Over time, the name evolved into its modern form, Alena, and became popular among various Slavic cultures.
One notable figure with the name Alena is Alena Vrzalová, a Czech athlete who won a gold medal in the women's discus throw at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. This further cemented the popularity of the name Alena in Eastern Europe and beyond.
Today, Alena remains a beloved and distinctive female given name, with its roots firmly planted in Slavic history and culture. Its meaning of "light" or "harmony" makes it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name that signifies positivity and brightness. Whether used as a first or middle name, Alena is sure to stand out and add a touch of elegance to any name list.
The name Alena has been given to babies born in the United States since at least 1891, with a total of 15,231 births recorded between that year and 2023.
The number of births varied significantly over time. In some years, as few as five girls were named Alena, while in others, the number topped 465. The most popular year for the name was 2014, with 465 babies named Alena. However, the name's popularity has shown signs of decreasing in recent years, with only 338 births recorded in 2023.
Despite fluctuations in its popularity, Alena remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents who wish to give their daughter an uncommon moniker. Its enduring presence on the baby name landscape over more than a century attests to its lasting appeal.