What Does the Name Jenna Mean?

Choosing a name for your child is a big decision, and one that requires a lot of thought and consideration. After all, your child will carry this name with them for the rest of their life. If you're considering the name Jenna for your baby girl, you may be wondering what it means and where it comes from. In this article, we'll explore the origin and meaning of the name Jenna, as well as its popularity and famous bearers.

The name Jenna is of English origin and is a variant of the name Jennifer. Jennifer is derived from the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar, which means 'white wave' or 'fair lady'. The name Jenna is often considered a shortened form of Jennifer, but it can also be a name in its own right. The meaning of the name Jenna is often interpreted as 'small bird' or 'heavenly woman'.

Jenna has been a popular name for baby girls in the United States since the 1970s. It reached its peak in popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, when it was consistently ranked in the top 100 names for girls. In recent years, the popularity of the name Jenna has declined somewhat, but it remains a popular choice for parents. According to the Social Security Administration, Jenna was the 347th most popular name for baby girls in the United States in 2020.

There have been many famous bearers of the name Jenna over the years. One of the most well-known is Jenna Dewan, an American actress and dancer who is best known for her role in the film Step Up. Other famous Jennas include Jenna Fischer, an American actress who starred in the television series The Office, and Jenna Marbles, a popular YouTuber and social media personality. There have also been several notable fictional characters named Jenna, including Jenna Sommers from the television series The Vampire Diaries and Jenna Hunterson from the musical Waitress.

If you're considering the name Jenna for your baby girl, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, think about the meaning of the name and whether it resonates with you and your family. Consider the popularity of the name and whether you're comfortable choosing a name that may be shared by many other children. Finally, think about how the name Jenna will sound with your last name and whether it flows well. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a name that you love and that feels right for your child.

In conclusion, the name Jenna is a popular choice for baby girls in the United States. It is of English origin and is often considered a shortened form of the name Jennifer. The meaning of the name Jenna is often interpreted as 'small bird' or 'heavenly woman'. While the popularity of the name has declined somewhat in recent years, it remains a popular choice for parents. If you're considering the name Jenna for your baby girl, take some time to think about the meaning of the name, its popularity, and how it will sound with your last name. Ultimately, choose a name that you love and that feels right for your child.