Kena Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KEH-nah /ˈkɛnə/
Origin: Japanese; Native American
Meaning: Japanese: 'to be seen'; Native American: 'the one who is loved'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Kena has roots that can be traced back to various linguistic traditions, with its etymology likely deriving from the Hebrew name "Kena'an," which means "land of purple" or "merchant." This name evolved through different cultures and languages, eventually being adapted into English. The transition from Hebrew to English often involved intermediary languages such as Greek and Latin, where the name was likely influenced by the phonetic and structural characteristics of those languages before being adopted into English vernacular.
Historically, the name Kena does not have a direct association with prominent biblical figures or saints, which makes its historical milestones less defined compared to more widely recognized names. However, the Hebrew roots suggest a connection to ancient cultures and trade, as the term "Kena'an" was associated with the land known for its commerce and rich resources.
The name's evolution through the centuries reflects broader historical narratives, including the movement of peoples and the exchange of cultural ideas, particularly during the periods of the Roman Empire and the spread of Christianity. Culturally, names like Kena resonate with themes of prosperity and connection to the land, which have been significant in various traditions.
The name may also evoke a sense of heritage and identity linked to its origins. While diminutive forms or variations may exist, such as Kena being a short form of names like Kenna or similar, the name itself carries a unique significance that reflects its historical and linguistic journey.
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Kena was first seen in the United States in 1947. Kena has ranked as high as #1008 nationally, which occurred in 1975, and has been most popular in Illinois, Texas, California, Missouri, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Kena has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Kena (1995)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1947 | 6 |
| 1948 | 5 |
| 1952 | 6 |
| 1953 | 7 |
| 1955 | 7 |
| 1956 | 9 |
| 1957 | 8 |
| 1958 | 7 |
| 1959 | 18 |
| 1960 | 12 |
| 1961 | 21 |
| 1962 | 18 |
| 1963 | 30 |
| 1964 | 33 |
| 1965 | 31 |
| 1966 | 28 |
| 1967 | 27 |
| 1968 | 46 |
| 1969 | 39 |
| 1970 | 42 |
| 1971 | 42 |
| 1972 | 51 |
| 1973 | 56 |
| 1974 | 43 |
| 1975 | 70 |
| 1976 | 63 |
| 1977 | 50 |
| 1978 | 58 |
| 1979 | 47 |
| 1980 | 55 |
| 1981 | 51 |
| 1982 | 40 |
| 1983 | 32 |
| 1984 | 21 |
| 1985 | 45 |
| 1986 | 30 |
| 1987 | 37 |
| 1988 | 29 |
| 1989 | 19 |
| 1990 | 28 |
| 1991 | 32 |
| 1992 | 24 |
| 1993 | 23 |
| 1994 | 23 |
| 1995 | 21 |
| 1996 | 21 |
| 1997 | 22 |
| 1998 | 17 |
| 1999 | 13 |
| 2000 | 21 |
| 2001 | 13 |
| 2002 | 13 |
| 2003 | 26 |
| 2004 | 19 |
| 2005 | 17 |
| 2006 | 24 |
| 2007 | 14 |
| 2008 | 23 |
| 2009 | 12 |
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2011 | 14 |
| 2012 | 9 |
| 2013 | 22 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2015 | 9 |
| 2016 | 10 |
| 2017 | 14 |
| 2018 | 12 |
| 2019 | 15 |
| 2020 | 9 |
| 2022 | 19 |
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2024 | 19 |