Jenna

♀ Girl

Pronounced JEN-uh /ˈdʒɛn.ə/High

Meaning: Diminutive form of Jennifer or an independent form from the Cornish and Welsh Guinevere or Gwenhwyfar, meaning white wave or fair lady; also may be used as a variant of Jenny, from John meaning God is graciousMedium

In 30 seconds: A bright, approachable two-syllable name derived from Jennifer or Guinevere meaning white wave, Jenna has been a warm mid-century American favorite with a classic, clean simplicity.

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Origin HighEnglish, Hebrew, Welsh

MeaningDiminutive form of Jennifer or an independent form from the Cornish and Welsh Guinevere or Gwenhwyfar, meaning white wave or fair lady; also may be used as a variant of Jenny, from John meaning God is gracious

U.S. rank (2025)#679 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births418 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1985

Total births (all-time)≈ 148,581

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Jenna is a diminutive or variant of Jennifer, which is the Cornish form of Welsh Gwenhwyfar, from gwen (white, fair) and hwyfar (smooth, yielding), meaning white wave or fair spirit. Guinevere is the Arthurian form of the same name. Jenna may also be used as a pet form of Jenny, itself from John, meaning God is gracious.

Jenna began appearing on U.S. birth records in the 1970s and rose sharply in the 1980s and 1990s. It was particularly popular in the 1980s, fitting the era's preference for short, bright girl names. The name gained widespread recognition through Jenna Bush (daughter of President George W. Bush) and actress Jenna Fischer. Today Jenna remains in steady mid-range use.

Did you know? The name Guinevere — the root from which Jennifer and Jenna derive — belongs to the legendary Queen of Camelot, wife of King Arthur and central figure in Arthurian romance, giving Jenna a quietly regal Celtic heritage.

Overall data confidence 84%

Behind the Name — Jenna — etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

JennyJenniferJena

Nicknames

Jen

Famous Bearers

★Jenna Fischer (1974–present)
American actress, known for playing Pam Beesly on The Office.
★Jenna Bush Hager (1981–present)
American television host and daughter of President George W. Bush.

If you like Jenna…

Jessica— shares the same 1980s American popularity peak and the same friendly, approachable energy

Jennifer— direct longer form sharing the same Welsh-Cornish root

Emma— shares the clean, simple two-syllable girl-name quality with the same timeless appeal

Kelly— another short, bright 1980s American girl name from the same generational cohort

Frequently Asked

What does the name Jenna mean?

Jenna comes from Jennifer, from Welsh Gwenhwyfar meaning white wave or fair spirit. It is related to Guinevere of Arthurian legend.

How do you pronounce Jenna?

It is said JEN-uh /ˈdʒɛn.ə/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Jenna short for Jennifer?

Jenna is closely related to Jennifer and Jenny, all from the same Welsh root, but is now used as a standalone name.

Is Jenna a popular name?

Jenna was most popular in the 1980s–90s in the United States and remains in steady use today.