Jenna: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: je-hnna-h
Origin: United Kingdom
gender-female

Emmy Samtani

Emmy Samtani

Emmy is the founder of Kiindred and mother to 3 little ones. Over the last 4 years, she has worked with some of the most credible experts in the parenting space and is a keen contributor on all things parenthood.
Updated on Aug 14, 2024 · 2 mins read
Region Origin: Western Europe
Meaning: White shadow

Jenna is a girl's name of English, Welsh origin, meaning "white shadow" or "white wave". It is a short form of Jennifer, which is a Cornish variant of Guinevere, derived from the Welsh Gwenhwyfar. The name has also been associated with meanings such as "small bird" in ancient Greek and "paradise" or "heaven" in Arabic. The origin of the name Jenna can be traced back to the legendary character Guinevere from Arthurian legends, who was King Arthur's wife and Sir Lancelot's lover. The name first gained popularity in the 1970s, possibly due to the television series "Dallas," which featured a character named Jenna Wade. Since then, it has been a timeless alternative to other names like Jenny or Jemma.

Jenna Name Popularity Data

chat-overall Jenna is currently #417 in the popularity of the name rankings.
gender-female Girl: Jenna is currently #224 on Kiindred Girl Names
gender-male Overall Unique: Jenna is currently #413 on Kiindred Unique Names
gender-female Girl Unique: Jenna is currently #224 on Kiindred Girl Unique Names

Popularity Trend Chart

Parents Who Like the Name Jenna Also Like:

Parents who like the name Jenna often have similar name preferences and tend to choose popular choices like:

Famous People Named Jenna

This section lists notable individuals and public figures named Jenna, showcasing their achievements and contributions in various fields.

  • Jenna Fischer: Jenna Fischer is an American actress known for her role as Pam Beesly on the television series "The Office."
  • Jenna Dewan: Jenna Dewan is an American actress and dancer known for her roles in "Step Up," "The Resident," and "Supergirl."
  • Jenna Coleman: Jenna Coleman is an English actress known for her roles in "Doctor Who," "Victoria," and "The Serpent."
  • Jenna Ortega: Jenna Ortega is an American actress known for her roles in "Jane the Virgin," "You," and "The Babysitter
  • Jenna Dewan: Born on December 3, 1980, Jenna Dewan is an American actress, dancer, and model. She is known for her roles in films like "Step Up" and "The Resident." Dewan has also appeared in several television shows, including "American Horror Story" and "Supergirl".

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