Declining since 1985, #679 for girls today.
Popularity of Jenna since 1915
Babies named Jenna per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 26 |
| 1920s | 70 |
| 1930s | 159 |
| 1940s | 155 |
| 1950s | 265 |
| 1960s | 618 |
| 1970s | 4,224 |
| 1980s | 36,601 |
| 1990s | 45,856 |
| 2000s | 45,296 |
| 2010s | 12,485 |
| 2020s | 2,832 |
Meaning & origin
Jenna first entered U.S. birth records in 1915, but its real surge came in the 1980s, hitting a peak rank of #679 (with 1 in 3,845 newborn girls) in 1985. Since that peak, the name has been on a consistent downward trajectory, though it remains recognizable through cultural touchstones like the character Jenna Wade on the television series Dallas. Geographically, the name has been most common in Michigan, Arkansas, and Indiana. Jenna is a short, accessible name that fits the stylistic trend of 1980s coinages like Megan and Ashley, but its modern sound and uncertain etymology give it a distinctly contemporary feel. It offers few nickname options beyond Jen, but its simplicity may appeal to parents seeking a straightforward, modern-sounding girls' name.
Jenna emerged in the 20th century as a feminine given name, likely a respelling or shortened form of Jennifer or Jennie. Jennifer itself derives from the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar, composed of 'gwen' (white, fair) and 'hwyfar' (smooth, soft), though Jenna may also be an independent coinage. The name gained noticeable popularity in the United States during the 1980s, possibly influenced by the character Jenna Wade on the television series 'Dallas' (1979-1991).
Where Jenna 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.
“Jenna” around the world
Where Jenna lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
295
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Quebec
12
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jen
Sibling names for Jenna
Names that share Jenna's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Ashley, Megan, Lauren, Kelsey, Brittany, Breanna, Cassie, Taryn, Aleesha, Bryana, Cayla, Dayna, Gena, Jammie, Jania, Jeanna, Jenessa, Johnna, Kaila, Kalie, Kalyn, Karlee, Katlyn, Keily, Laci, Lissa, Loryn, Micayla, Niki, Reanna, Shalyn, Shayla, Briauna, Briona, Chelsy, Cienna, Hali, Jamee, Jenee, Jennica, Kaleena, Kenda, Kylene, Leeanna, Lyndee, Mikala, Mikki, Raeanna, Rayanna, Tamatha, Alyissa, Aricka, Breahna, Breaunna, Breianna, Briahna, Cammi, Carah, Casaundra, Dereka, Jelissa, Jenea, Jenika, Jinger, Kailea, Kalene, Kamie, Karee, Kassy, Kaylena, Kendrah, Kerissa, Kesia, Krissa, Kyann, Leeana, Leighanna, Malyssa, Mickaela, Mikela, Nikayla, Shalea, Shianna, Toree, Brieann, Brihana, Cailie, Caryssa, Cendy, Chyanna, Denica, Deserea, Dreanna, Falen, Jacci, Jamilee, Jeidy, Jenicka, Jenin, Jennier, Jeny, Jeree, Jericha, Jeymi, Karenna, Karlea, Karrissa, Kaylla, Korissa, Mikeala, Mychaela, Danicka, Jessel, Angee, Briea, Caileen, Carely, Chellsea, Deyna, Jakki, Jammi, Jeda, Jennise, Jenova, Jode, Jyssica, Karilynn, Kayleeann, Kellina, Kenndra, Laruen, Lynze, Machel, Makayle, Raychell, Toniya
Brothers: Ryan, Tyler, Jake, Dylan, Kyle, Jamey, Jaren, Jarett, Jarod, Jestin, Jordy, Jory, Daven, Jarad, Jaret, Jarron, Jeron, Kollin, Damean, Dason, Jarrel, Jarrid, Jarryd, Javis, Jeran, Jerek, Jeren, Jerin, Jerman, Jerremy, Jerren, Jerret, Jerrin, Jeston, Jevin, Jorian, Tylyn, Daaron, Devonn, Jamis, Jaremy, Jarome, Jasan, Jasin, Jassen, Jerimie, Jessen, Jhase, Joshaua, Kayron, Tevyn, Zackari, Jader, Jarris, Jaryan, Jasten, Jedrick, Jeffey, Jensy, Jerral, Jimmi, Joen, Jonta, Keland, Miken, Naythen, Tymel, Zackrey
Names like Jenna
Names whose popularity has moved with Jenna's over the last 50 years.
