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Jenna Girl

Popularity: #558 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationJEN-uh / /ˈdʒɛnə/

English; Hebrew

Meaning

English: 'fair' or 'white'; Hebrew: 'God is gracious'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Jenna is believed to have originated as a diminutive form of the name Jennifer, which itself is derived from the Cornish form of the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar, meaning "white phantom" or "white enchantress." The transition from Gwenhwyfar to Jennifer occurred in the Middle Ages, particularly gaining traction in the 12th century with the popularity of Arthurian legends, where the character Guinevere is a prominent figure. Over time, Jennifer became widely used in English-speaking countries, particularly after the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, which facilitated the integration of many Celtic names into the English lexicon.

Jenna emerged as a distinct name in the 20th century, particularly in the United States, where it was popularized in the latter half of the century. The name's rise can be attributed to various cultural influences, including literature and media, which often feature characters named Jenna. Notably, the name appears in various forms in different cultures, with similar phonetic structures found in Arabic and Hebrew, where it can mean "heaven" or "paradise." This cross-cultural resonance adds to the name's appeal and significance.

Culturally, Jenna has been associated with qualities such as beauty and grace, reflecting its roots in names that convey ethereal or enchanting qualities. The name has also been embraced in various artistic expressions, including literature and film, further embedding it in contemporary culture. While Jenna is often seen as a modern name, its connections to historical figures and its etymological roots provide a rich tapestry of meaning that underscores its enduring presence in the English-speaking world.

Trend Summary

Jenna experienced a peak in popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s in the United States.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Jena
  • Jen
  • Jenny

International Variants

  • Jenna (English)
  • Yenna (Dutch)

Famous people named Jenna

Jenna Ortega is an actress best known for Wednesday, You, and Scream.

Jenna Fischer is an actress best known for The Office, Blades of Glory, and The 40-Year-Old Virgin.

Jenna Dewan is an actress and dancer best known for Step Up, World of Dance, and The Resident.

Jenna Bush Hager is a television personality and author best known for the Today Show and her books with Barbara Pierce Bush.

Fictional characters named Jenna

Jenna Rink is a fictional character from the film 13 Going on 30. She is a 13-year-old girl who magically wakes up as a 30-year-old woman and navigates the complexities of adulthood.

Jenna Maroney is a fictional character from the TV series 30 Rock. She is a self-absorbed actress and one of the main cast members of the fictional sketch comedy show TGS with Tracy Jordan.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Jenna was first seen in the United States in 1915. Jenna has ranked as high as #107 nationally, which occurred in 1985, and has been most popular in California, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas. In the past 5 years the name Jenna has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Jenna (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 46
13%
CA 45
12%
NY 21
6%
IL 20
6%
GA 18
5%
OH 17
5%
FL 17
5%
IN 16
4%
NJ 15
4%
PA 14
4%
MA 13
4%
KY 12
3%
WI 11
3%
NC 11
3%
AL 9
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19155
19179
19186
19196
192010
19215
19226
19236
19249
19255
192610
19289
192910
19308
193124
193217
193322
193413
193510
193620
193714
193817
193914
194010
19417
194213
194316
194410
194513
194617
194729
194818
194922
195021
195122
195221
195331
195428
195531
195628
195721
195823
195939
196032
196155
196263
196356
196460
196555
196660
196755
196868
1969114
1970108
1971152
1972304
1973591
1974469
1975501
1976484
1977531
1978463
1979622
19801,076
19811,361
19821,012
19831,168
19845,881
19856,436
19865,416
19875,305
19884,607
19894,339
19903,956
19914,459
19925,090
19934,882
19944,594
19954,254
19964,288
19974,422
19984,866
19995,043
20005,045
20016,143
20025,664
20035,352
20045,175
20054,796
20063,941
20073,304
20083,241
20092,635
20102,225
20111,841
20121,526
20131,417
20141,238
20151,089
2016891
2017811
2018736
2019709
2020546
2021514
2022463
2023472
2024416