What does Dena mean and where does it come from?
The name Dena is of Hebrew origin, derived from Dinah, meaning 'judge' or 'vindicated'. It has been used in various cultures and became popular in the 20th century. Variations include Dina and Deena. One notable individual is Dena Kaplan, an Australian actress and dancer known for her role in 'Dance
Cultural significance
Dena has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.
Peak popularity
Reached #208 in 1970 — currently #822 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Dena?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Dena?
Dena works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Dena Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Dena Rose
Floral · soft ending
Dena Claire
French influence · crisp
Dena Jane
Literary · strong
Dena Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Dena right now?
Holding steady — currently #822 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #822 | 1,378 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #827 | 1,358 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #832 | 1,328 | ▲ up 3685 · +4479% births |
| 2020 | #4517 | 29 | ▼ down 533 · -22% births |
| 2015 | #3984 | 37 | ▼ down 728 · -26% births |
| 2010 | #3256 | 50 | ▼ down 753 · -28% births |
| 2005 | #2503 | 69 | ▼ down 649 · -25% births |
| 2000 | #1854 | 92 | ▼ down 547 · -28% births |
| 1995 | #1307 | 127 | ▼ down 349 · -35% births |
| 1990 | #958 | 196 | ▼ down 406 · -45% births |
| 1985 | #552 | 358 | ▼ down 135 · -32% births |
| 1980 | #417 | 530 | ▼ down 124 · -35% births |
| 1975 | #293 | 815 | ▼ down 85 · -47% births |
| 1970 | #208 | 1,541 | ▲ up 110 · +90% births |
| 1965 | #318 | 809 | — |
The story of Dena
Dena has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 32,367 babies have received this name. Once ranked #474 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #822 in 2023. Dena is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Dena in 1970:
Dena by decade
Dena peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 255 | |
| 1890s | 415 | |
| 1900s | 376 | |
| 1910s | 803 | |
| 1920s | 842 | |
| 1930s | 674 | |
| 1940s | 1,259 | |
| 1950s | 3,954 | |
| 1960s ★ | 9,184 | |
| 1970s | 8,534 | |
| 1980s | 3,630 | |
| 1990s | 1,308 | |
| 2000s | 702 | |
| 2010s | 402 | |
| 2020s | 29 | |
What are good nicknames for Dena?
What names sound and feel like Dena?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dena also consider these
Common questions about the name Dena
What does the name Dena mean?
Dena means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in English 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 Dena?
Dena is currently ranked #822 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Dena?
Dena originates from English tradition. English 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 Dena?
Dena is a two-syllable name pronounced D IY1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Dena a common or rare name?
Dena is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.