Lena

Pronunciation: LEE-nə, LAY-nə (key)

Origin of the name Lena:

A short form of Magdalena (of Magdala, a town on the Sea of Galilee).

From A World of Baby Names by Teresa Norman. Buy the book

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Nicknames for Lena: | Edit

Lena is already a nickname within itself, since it is a shortname for Elena, Yelena...but if you insist on shorteting it more then these two are the most appropriate - Lenka, Len

Meanings and history of the name Lena: | Edit

Elena which is a greek name, in English speaking countries known as Helena, Helena of Troy, which means exactly the same thing - light and shine. Short name is Lena -does not really have a meaning unless is used on its full form.

Famous real-life people named Lena: | Edit

-Lena Headey (actress) most known for her roles as Queen Gorgo in the movie "300" and Sarah Connor in "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" TV show spin-off of the "Terminator" movie saga. She's also known for her role in "The Brother's Grimm" alongside Heath Ledger and Matt Damon as well the live action version of "The Jungle Book".
-Lena Olin (actress)
-Lena Horne, jazz singer

Lena in song, story & screen: | Edit

"Lena", star of the ever popular genre of "Ole and Lena jokes" often told by Scandinavian-Americans and immortalized on the radio show "A Prairie Home Companion."
Lena Kaligaris, character in the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" book series and movies. She is quiet and even tempered, has a Greek heritage, and loves to draw.
Aunt Lena, resilient immigrant character in the "All of a Kind Family" children's book series by Sydney Taylor.
"All For Leyna", song by Billy Joel

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