Rising since 1988, #950 for girls today.
Popularity of Milena since 1918
Babies named Milena per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 6 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 26 |
| 1950s | 39 |
| 1960s | 94 |
| 1970s | 231 |
| 1980s | 239 |
| 1990s | 457 |
| 2000s | 1,351 |
| 2010s | 3,218 |
| 2020s | 2,083 |
Meaning & origin
Milena is a Slavic name that has seen a steady rise in usage in the United States since the late 1980s. In 2025, it ranked 950, with 1 in 5,931 girls receiving the name, reflecting modest but stable popularity. Its peak year so far was 2023, and the name has been climbing consistently, especially in states like Massachusetts, Washington, and Florida. With its sweet meaning and melodic sound, Milena fits a modern preference for international names that are both elegant and approachable.
Milena is a Slavic feminine name derived from the element 'mil' meaning 'gracious' or 'dear'. It is the feminine form of Milan and is used across many Slavic countries including Poland, Czech Republic, Serbia, and Bulgaria. The name has been in steady use since the early 20th century, with a notable rise in popularity from the late 1980s.
Where Milena 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.
“Milena” around the world
Where Milena lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
60
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Quebec
10
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mila, Mili, Lena
Sibling names for Milena
Names that share Milena's style, for a brother or sister.
