Jenna

ModernFriendlyApproachableFreshUpbeat

Jenna is a modern English name that originated as a variant of Jennifer, which comes from the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar meaning 'white wave' or 'fair one'. It gained independent popularity in the late 20th century as a streamlined, contemporary choice.

Current Popularity

#679 for girls

in the United States (2025)

Projected 2026: #682, likely #605 to #759

↗Declining

Popularity over time

191019502020
Recent years · births per year

Dashed bar: 2026 (projected): 416. How this is calculated

Yearly values
  • 2011: 1,841
  • 2012: 1,526
  • 2013: 1,417
  • 2014: 1,239
  • 2015: 1,089
  • 2016: 892
  • 2017: 811
  • 2018: 736
  • 2019: 709
  • 2020: 546
  • 2021: 515
  • 2022: 463
  • 2023: 472
  • 2024: 418
  • 2025: 418
  • 2026 (projected): 416

Good to Know

Common nicknames: Jen, Jenn, Jenny, JJ
  • •Easy to spell and pronounce in English-speaking countries
  • •Modern alternative to Jennifer with a lighter, more contemporary feel
  • •Works well across different ages from childhood to adulthood
  • •Less common than its peak in the 1990s-2000s, making it feel fresh again
  • •Multiple spelling variations exist

Famous People

J

Jenna Ortega

Actress

J

Jenna Fischer

Actress

J

Jenna Bush Hager

TV personality and author

J

Jenna Elfman

Actress

Statistics

148,587

Total births since 1880

1985

Peak year

Discovery

Keep browsing

Search another name

Search