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Serena

♀ Girl

Pronounced seh-REE-nah /səˈriː.nə/High

Meaning: From the Latin 'serenus', meaning calm, clear, or serene — used of weather (a clear sky) and by extension of a person with a tranquil, composed temperament.High

In 30 seconds: Serena is a beautifully literal name — it means exactly what it sounds like: serenity, calm, and grace. Associated with tennis champion Serena Williams, it balances delicate Latin elegance with fierce determination.
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Origin HighLatin
MeaningFrom the Latin 'serenus', meaning calm, clear, or serene — used of weather (a clear sky) and by extension of a person with a tranquil, composed temperament.
U.S. rank (2025)#325 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births942 girls (0.05% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2000
Total births (all-time)≈ 47,442

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200018802025

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

History & Origin

Serena derives directly from the Latin adjective serenus, meaning calm, clear, or bright — originally applied to weather and sky conditions, then metaphorically to a person of tranquil character. The name appears in Roman literature and was used in early Christian contexts. It was borne by a minor early Christian martyr Saint Serena, though her historicity is debated.

Serena was used throughout the medieval and Renaissance periods in Catholic Europe, appearing in literature and among noble families in Italy and Spain. Its frequency increased in the English-speaking world during the twentieth century. In the twenty-first century, tennis superstar Serena Williams (born 1981) gave the name extraordinary global visibility, associating it with athletic excellence, power, and determination — a striking contrast to its literal meaning of 'peaceful'.

Did you know? Serena Williams has won more Grand Slam singles titles (23) than any other tennis player in the Open Era, making Serena simultaneously the name of a word meaning 'peaceful' and of the most powerful competitive force women's tennis has ever seen.
Overall data confidence 95%
Lewis and Short Latin Dictionary — Etymology of Latin serenusBehind the Name: Serena — Historical usage and notable bearers

Variations

SerinaSereneSereena

Nicknames

SeriRenaRen

Famous Bearers

  • ★Serena Williams (1981–)
    American tennis player, 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, widely considered the greatest female tennis player of all time.

If you like Serena…

Sabrina— three-syllable melodic feminine name with Latin roots and similar flowing beauty
Selena— three-syllable Latin-origin feminine name with similar sound and cultural energy
Marina— three-syllable Latin name with equally serene, nature-connected imagery

Frequently Asked

What does the name Serena mean?

Serena means 'calm', 'clear', and 'serene', from the Latin serenus, originally used to describe a clear, bright sky.

How do you pronounce Serena?

Serena is pronounced seh-REE-nah (/səˈriː.nə/), three syllables with stress on the second.

Is Serena a boy or girl name?

Serena is a feminine name. The masculine Latin equivalent is Serenus.

How popular is Serena?

Serena has been in the US top 300 girls' names for decades and gained significant global recognition through Serena Williams.