A 1960s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Gena since 1880
Babies named Gena per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 102 |
| 1890s | 143 |
| 1900s | 117 |
| 1910s | 219 |
| 1920s | 289 |
| 1930s | 210 |
| 1940s | 349 |
| 1950s | 1,233 |
| 1960s | 3,967 |
| 1970s | 3,214 |
| 1980s | 1,711 |
| 1990s | 765 |
| 2000s | 368 |
| 2010s | 117 |
| 2020s | 20 |
Meaning & origin
Gena is a name that saw its most notable use in the mid-20th century, reaching its peak rank of 852 in 1968, the year it was most popular. It has since fallen out of the top 1000, but has been rising again since 2022, suggesting a possible revival. Gena is most commonly understood as a variant of Gina, itself a diminutive of Regina, the Latin word for 'queen'. While the name has not been associated with any specific top states in the data, its sound aligns with other mid-century favorites like Debra and Linda. As a girl's name, Gena offers a simple, two-syllable alternative to the more common Gina or Jenna, with a touch of vintage charm.
Gena is most often considered a variant spelling of Gina, which originated as a short form of Regina, the Latin word for 'queen'. The name Regina was used in early Christianity in reference to the Virgin Mary, and later as a given name in its own right. Gena emerged as an alternative spelling, particularly in the mid-20th century, influenced by names like Jean and Lena.
Where Gena 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.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Gina
Sibling names for Gena
Names that share Gena's style, for a brother or sister.
