Rising since 1987, #707 for girls today.
Popularity of Alena since 1891
Babies named Alena per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 43 |
| 1900s | 52 |
| 1910s | 135 |
| 1920s | 180 |
| 1930s | 106 |
| 1940s | 113 |
| 1950s | 194 |
| 1960s | 446 |
| 1970s | 869 |
| 1980s | 1,307 |
| 1990s | 2,196 |
| 2000s | 3,917 |
| 2010s | 4,167 |
| 2020s | 2,289 |
Meaning & origin
Alena has been in use in the United States since at least 1891, though it saw little usage for much of the early 20th century. The name began a steady rise that started around 1987, culminating in a peak rank of 707 in 2015. In recent years, it has continued to climb, with 1 in every 4,038 girls born in 2025 receiving the name. Geographically, Alena is most favored in Idaho, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. The name's cross-cultural appeal, with roots in Slavic, Greek, and Irish traditions, makes it a versatile choice for modern families seeking a familiar yet distinctive name.
Alena is a name with multiple origins. Primarily, it is a Slavic form of Helen, derived from the Greek Helene, meaning 'torch' or 'bright light'. In Ireland, Alena is sometimes considered a variant of Ailbhe or Eileen. The name has also been used as a feminine form of Alan, meaning 'little rock' in Breton. Its usage spans across Eastern Europe and the English-speaking world, gaining popularity in the United States during the late 20th century.
Where Alena is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Alena” around the world
Where Alena lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lena, Ally, Leni
Sibling names for Alena
Names that share Alena's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Alena
Names whose popularity has moved with Alena's over the last 50 years.
