A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Sena since 1880
Babies named Sena per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2023, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Sena's real moment was 1884.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 182 | 0 |
| 1890s | 218 | 0 |
| 1900s | 174 | 0 |
| 1910s | 176 | 0 |
| 1920s | 189 | 0 |
| 1930s | 122 | 0 |
| 1940s | 119 | 0 |
| 1950s | 134 | 0 |
| 1960s | 183 | 0 |
| 1970s | 201 | 0 |
| 1980s | 183 | 15 |
| 1990s | 183 | 5 |
| 2000s | 309 | 64 |
| 2010s | 450 | 68 |
| 2020s | 298 | 53 |
Meaning & origin
Sena is a name with diverse origins, ranging from Japanese to Ghanaian, which contributes to its modern appeal. First recorded in the U.S. in 1880 with a rank of 3130, it has been on an upward trajectory since 1990. Its peak year to date was 1884, suggesting a possible revival of a vintage name. The name's relative rarity, with a 1-in-31,515 frequency in 2025, makes it a distinctive choice. Top states include New York, California, and Florida, reflecting its multicultural acceptance. Sena's popularity may be linked to the trend of short, vowel-ending names, yet its multiple meanings give it depth across cultures.
Sena has multiple potential sources. In Japanese, せな (Sena) can mean 'monk' or serve as a unisex name. It may also be a modern invented variant of Sienna, or a contraction of names like Rosena. In Ghana, Sena is a unisex name from the Ewe people meaning 'happy'. The name saw early use in the United States in the 1880s, with a rank of 3130 in 1880, and has been rising in popularity since 1990.
Where Sena is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Sena” around the world
Where Sena lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
40
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sen
Sibling names for Sena
Names that share Sena's style, for a brother or sister.
