What does Tena mean and where does it come from?
Tena is a feminine name popular in Croatia and Serbia, deriving from the word 'ten', which relates to purity. It can also be a short form of longer names like Antonija or Antena. The name is comparatively rare in English-speaking countries but has found some recognition in the United States. Tena is
Cultural significance
Tena has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Croatia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of one who is pure.
Peak popularity
Reached #316 in 1883 — currently #17031 in the US.
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Related Reading
Croatia-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Tena?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Tena?
Tena works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tena Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Tena Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Tena Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Tena Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Tena Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Tena Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Tena right now?
Falling — down 6801 spots — currently #17031 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #17031 | 5 | ▼ down 6801 · -50% births |
| 2023 | #10230 | 10 | ▲ up 89 |
| 2022 | #10319 | 10 | ▼ down 829 · -9% births |
| 2021 | #9490 | 11 | ▲ up 679 · +22% births |
| 2020 | #10169 | 9 | ▲ up 1065 |
| 2010 | #11234 | 9 | ▲ up 1773 · +29% births |
| 2005 | #13007 | 7 | ▼ down 3132 · -22% births |
| 2000 | #9875 | 9 | ▼ down 3914 · -40% births |
| 1995 | #5961 | 15 | ▼ down 121 |
| 1990 | #5840 | 15 | ▼ down 2670 · -46% births |
| 1985 | #3170 | 28 | ▼ down 776 · -30% births |
| 1980 | #2394 | 40 | ▼ down 1044 · -49% births |
| 1975 | #1350 | 79 | ▼ down 447 · -46% births |
| 1970 | #903 | 146 | ▼ down 260 · -37% births |
| 1965 | #643 | 232 | — |
The story of Tena
Tena has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 8,135 total births recorded, Tena remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #386 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10230 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Tena in 1883:
Tena by decade
Tena peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 296 | |
| 1890s | 391 | |
| 1900s | 320 | |
| 1910s | 464 | |
| 1920s | 363 | |
| 1930s | 212 | |
| 1940s | 459 | |
| 1950s | 1,655 | |
| 1960s ★ | 2,480 | |
| 1970s | 942 | |
| 1980s | 299 | |
| 1990s | 127 | |
| 2000s | 61 | |
| 2010s | 57 | |
| 2020s | 14 | |
💎With 8,135 total births, Tena is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Tena?
What names sound and feel like Tena?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tena also consider these
How is Tena written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Tena
What does the name Tena mean?
Tena means "One who is pure" — a name rooted in Croatia 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 Tena?
Tena is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Tena have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Tena?
Tena originates from Croatia tradition. Croatia 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 Tena?
Tena is a two-syllable name pronounced TEN-uh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Tena trending right now?
Tena is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.