Milena is a beautiful and distinctive female name of Slavic origin. It is derived from the Slavic elements "mila," meaning "dear" or "gracious," and "-ena," which is a diminutive suffix.
The name Milena has been popular among Slavic peoples for centuries, with its earliest known use dating back to the Middle Ages. In Czech literature, it gained prominence through the character Milena Jesenská, a journalist and writer who corresponded extensively with Franz Kafka during the early 20th century. Their intense friendship inspired Kafka's novel "The Trial," further popularizing the name Milena.
Today, Milena remains a highly regarded and cherished name throughout Slavic countries such as Russia, Poland, Ukraine, and the Czech Republic. It has also gained international recognition due to its unique sound and enchanting meaning.
In some cultures, Milena may have variations in spelling or pronunciation, but its core significance remains constant – it is a name that embodies grace, charm, and dearness. Whether you're drawn to its Slavic roots or simply appreciate its musical quality, choosing the name Milena for your child is an excellent choice.
The name Milena has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. In the early years of record-keeping, there were fewer than ten births per year with the name Milena between 1918 and 1959. However, starting from the 1960s, there was a steady rise in the number of babies named Milena each year.
The most notable increase occurred between 2007 and 2014, where the number of births with the name Milena more than doubled, from 187 in 2007 to 353 in 2014. This upward trend has continued into recent years, reaching a peak of 408 births in 2023.
In total, since record-keeping began until 2023, there have been over 7,000 babies named Milena born in the United States. This statistic highlights the growing popularity and acceptance of this unique name across generations.