Home › Baby Names Directory › Milena

Milena

♀ Girl

Pronounced mih-LAY-nah /mɪˈleɪ.nə/High

Meaning: Slavic feminine name derived from the element mil meaning gracious, dear, or beloved, found in many Slavic compound names and considered an expression of warmth and affectionHigh

In 30 seconds: Milena is a lyrical Slavic name meaning gracious and beloved. Widely used across Central and Eastern Europe, it has a sophisticated international sound that travels beautifully into English-speaking contexts.
💕 Browse more names
Origin HighSlavic
MeaningSlavic feminine name derived from the element mil meaning gracious, dear, or beloved, found in many Slavic compound names and considered an expression of warmth and affection
U.S. rank (2025)#950 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births271 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2019
Total births (all-time)≈ 7,746

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201919182025

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

History & Origin

The element mil is one of the oldest and most productive roots in Slavic naming, appearing in names like Miloslav, Miroslav, and Milomir. Milena as a standalone feminine name is documented throughout the medieval and modern Slavic world.

The name spread into Western European usage through migration and cultural exchange in the 20th century. It is particularly well established in Czech, Slovak, Serbian, Croatian, and Italian naming traditions.

Did you know? Milena was the name of Milena Jesenska (1896–1944), the Czech journalist and writer who was one of Franz Kafka's closest correspondents. Kafka's letters to her were published posthumously as Letters to Milena, one of literature's most celebrated epistolary works.
Overall data confidence 92%
Behind the Name — Milena — Slavic etymology and usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

MilinaMilenkaMilanka

Nicknames

MilaLenaMillie

Famous Bearers

  • ★Milena Jesenska (1896–1944)
    Czech journalist, writer, and anti-Nazi resistance activist, best known as the recipient of Franz Kafka's Letters to Milena. She died at Ravensbruck concentration camp.

If you like Milena…

Mila— direct Slavic short form sharing the mil- root and gracious meaning
Lena— shares the -lena ending and the Slavic-Eastern European elegance
Elena— same Slavic-international crossover appeal and lyrical three-syllable flow
Natalia— shares the Slavic heritage and elegant multi-syllable European sound

Frequently Asked

What does the name Milena mean?

Milena means gracious, dear, or beloved in Slavic, from the root mil conveying warmth and affection.

How do you pronounce Milena?

It is said mih-LAY-nah, with three syllables and stress on the second.

Is Milena an Italian name?

Milena is Slavic in origin but has been widely used in Italy and other Mediterranean countries, making it feel at home across Europe.

What are nicknames for Milena?

Common nicknames include Mila, Lena, and Millie.