The name Rena is of Hebrew origin and means "song" or "joyous." It is a female given name that has been in use for centuries but became particularly popular during the mid-20th century.
The name Rena has its roots in the Hebrew word "raanah," which translates to "song" or "musical sound." The name was traditionally given to girls as it was believed that they would grow up to be melodious and joyous like the music they were named after.
Throughout history, several notable figures have carried the name Rena. One such figure is Rena Riffel, a Swiss actress known for her roles in films such as "American Beauty" and "The Notebook." Another prominent Rena is Rena Sobin, an American poet who has written extensively on themes of love, loss, and memory.
In popular culture, Rena has also been used as the name for characters in various movies, TV shows, books, and video games. For example, Rena Ryuugu, a character from the survival horror game "Silent Hill 2," shares this name.
While the name Rena may not have any direct associations with holidays or personality traits, its origins and history make it a unique and meaningful choice for parents looking for a distinct name for their daughter.
The name Rena experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a marked peak during World War I and declining usage thereafter. In its first recorded year, 1880, there were 74 births named Rena. This number steadily increased, reaching a peak of 573 births in 1916. However, following this peak, the popularity of the name began to decline sharply, with fewer than 200 births per year occurring from 1925 onwards. In recent years, the name has seen a slight resurgence, with 96 births recorded in 2023. Overall, there were a total of 38,985 births named Rena between 1880 and 2023.