Declining since 1991, #1,896 for girls today.
Popularity of Yesenia since 1966
Babies named Yesenia per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 51 |
| 1970s | 4,143 |
| 1980s | 8,223 |
| 1990s | 15,174 |
| 2000s | 8,911 |
| 2010s | 2,216 |
| 2020s | 749 |
Meaning & origin
Yesenia first entered U.S. baby name records in 1966, but its most notable surge came during the 1980s, when it reached its peak rank of 1896 in 1987. Since 1991, its popularity has been gradually declining. In 2025, approximately 1 in 15,605 newborn girls were named Yesenia. The name has been most common in Oregon, Colorado, and Arizona, reflecting its strong ties to Spanish-speaking communities. Despite its unclear etymology, Yesenia remains a distinctive and melodic choice, often associated with the Hispanic heritage of its bearers.
Yesenia first appeared in the United States in 1966 and gained popularity in the 1980s. Its exact derivation is unclear, but it may be a variant of Jesenia, itself possibly related to the Spanish word 'jesenia' meaning a type of flower or plant. The name is often associated with the Spanish-speaking world and has seen steady use in Hispanic communities.
Where Yesenia 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
Nicknames: Yese, Yeni, Sena, Nia
Sibling names for Yesenia
Names that share Yesenia's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Yesenia
Names whose popularity has moved with Yesenia's over the last 50 years.
