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Rena
Pronounced REHN-a /ˈrɛn.æ/Medium
Meaning: joyous song (Hebrew); also a short form of Irene/Serena ('peace')Medium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
History & Origin
Rena carries two threads at once: a Hebrew sense of 'joyous song' and a role as the clipped end of Irene or Serena, both linked to 'peace.' That dual background gives it both a celebratory and a serene feel depending on which root a family hears. Its variations, from Renee to Renae, show how easily the sound shifts across spellings.
The name is brief and bright, two syllables that resolve cleanly, and its forms Rene, Renee, Reene, Reenie, and Renae play on that same melodic core. Actress Rena Sofer, a Daytime Emmy winner, carries it.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Rena Sofer (1968–present)American actress, Daytime Emmy winner for General Hospital.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Rena mean?
Rena means 'joyous song' from Hebrew rina, and is also used as a short form of Irene or Serena, hence 'peace'.
How do you pronounce Rena?
It's commonly said REHN-a /ˈrɛn.æ/.
Is Rena a boy or girl name?
In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Rena is used as a girl name.
How popular is Rena?
In 2024, Rena ranked #2705 in the U.S. for girls, with 64 births recorded.