What does Bena mean and where does it come from?
In Hebrew, the name Bena (בְּתַ יִּני) means 'daughter of,' used often in patronymic naming. It can also signify familial connections. In some African cultures, Bena can imply one who is blessed or fortunate. The name is relatively uncommon but has poetic significance associated with lineage and div
Cultural significance
Bena has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.
Peak popularity
Reached #752 in 1880 — currently #9712 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Bena?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Bena?
Bena works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Bena Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Bena Rose
Floral · soft ending
Bena Claire
French influence · crisp
Bena Jane
Literary · strong
Bena Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Bena right now?
Rising fast — up 5958 spots — currently #9712 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #9712 | 10 | ▲ up 5958 · +100% births |
| 2022 | #15670 | 5 | ▼ down 692 |
| 2020 | #14978 | 5 | ▼ down 518 · -17% births |
| 2015 | #14460 | 6 | ▲ up 2522 · +20% births |
| 2010 | #16982 | 5 | ▼ down 3825 · -17% births |
| 2000 | #13157 | 6 | ▼ down 2947 · -14% births |
| 1990 | #10210 | 7 | ▼ down 1103 · +17% births |
| 1980 | #9107 | 6 | ▼ down 22 · +20% births |
| 1975 | #9085 | 5 | ▼ down 4302 · -37% births |
| 1960 | #4783 | 8 | ▼ down 37 · +14% births |
| 1955 | #4746 | 7 | ▼ down 387 · +40% births |
| 1940 | #4359 | 5 | ▼ down 613 · -17% births |
| 1935 | #3746 | 6 | ▼ down 894 · -40% births |
| 1930 | #2852 | 10 | ▲ up 511 · +11% births |
| 1925 | #3363 | 9 | — |
The story of Bena
Bena has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 613 total births recorded, Bena remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #752 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9712 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Bena in 1880:
Bena by decade
Bena peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 24 | |
| 1890s | 49 | |
| 1900s | 46 | |
| 1910s | 83 | |
| 1920s ★ | 86 | |
| 1930s | 51 | |
| 1940s | 38 | |
| 1950s | 35 | |
| 1960s | 28 | |
| 1970s | 45 | |
| 1980s | 31 | |
| 1990s | 23 | |
| 2000s | 32 | |
| 2010s | 37 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎Bena has only 613 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Bena?
Famous people named Bena
B(
Bena (historical figure)
Bena bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Bena?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Bena also consider these
Common questions about the name Bena
What does the name Bena mean?
Bena means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Bena?
Bena is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Bena have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Bena?
Bena originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Bena?
Bena is a two-syllable name pronounced B EH1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Bena trending right now?
Bena is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.