National Lena Day

Young woman named Lena, wearing a flower crown, enjoying a picnic in a sunny park with friends.. — National lena day illustration

Ladies and Gentleman, get ready to celebrate, because we're about to dig into the cyber history of National Lena Day. It's been heating up the internet and might just be your new favorite day to celebrate, especially if your name is Lena. Let's dive in, shall we?

When is Lena Day?

It's national lena day on the 17th September.

What Is National Lena Day?

Imagine waking up one day to find out there’s a day named after you. Cool, right? That’s what happened to all the Lena's on September 17, 2019. It’s unclear exactly who started National Lena Day, or why it was chosen to be celebrated on this particular day, but one thing is for sure: the internet went wild with joy for all the Lenas out there. There were 72 mentions of this day online on that day, to be exact.

How To Celebrate National Lena Day?

Well, if your name is Lena, it’s pretty much obligatory for you to throw a party like it’s 1999. For the rest of us, we ought to appreciate and celebrate any Lenas in our lives. Give them a call, send them a cute gif, or simply say 'Happy Lena Day!’. In case you're wondering what to gift a Lena on this day, might we suggest some fun personalised items? Nothing screams 'I appreciate you on this very specific internet holiday' like a Lena-named coffee mug or t-shirt.

Fun Facts About the Name Lena

It's not just a randomly chosen name. The name Lena is a popular one across different cultures with many meanings, Lena means 'Illustrious' in Greek, 'Mother of the Roman People' in Latin (no pressure, Lena!), and 'Light' in Arabic. So if you know a Lena, make sure to remind them of their illustrious, motherly, and enlightening namesake!

History behind the term 'Lena'

1796

Birth of Lena

The term 'Lena' originates from the name Magdalena, which is a variant of the name Magdalene. Magdalene is derived from the Hebrew name Magdal or Migdal, meaning 'tower'. The name gained popularity and spread to various regions, including Germany and Sweden, during the late 18th century.

1931

Americanization of the term

In the early 20th century, many immigrants from German and Swedish backgrounds settled in the United States. As a result, the name Magdalena underwent a process of Americanization, where various short forms and nicknames were developed. 'Lena' emerged as a popular diminutive form of Magdalena, retaining its sweet and endearing qualities.

1937

Lena Horne's rise to fame

In the late 1930s, a talented African-American singer, actress, and civil rights activist named Lena Horne began her successful career. She gained widespread recognition for her exceptional vocal abilities and captivating performances. As her popularity grew, the name 'Lena' became more familiar and resonated with people as a symbol of talent and grace.

1973

Lena becomes a popular baby name

Throughout the 20th century, the name 'Lena' gained popularity as a given name for newborn girls. In 1973, 'Lena' ranked among the top 200 most popular baby names for girls in the United States. The name's appeal can be attributed to its simplicity, musicality, and association with notable figures like Lena Horne.

2018

Lena in pop culture

In recent years, the name 'Lena' has continued to make an impact in popular culture. Lena Dunham, an American actress, writer, and filmmaker, gained widespread recognition through her critically acclaimed television series, 'Girls.' Her influential presence has contributed to the name's contemporary appeal and cultural relevance.

Did you know?

Did you know that the name Lena was ranked number 301 most popular name in the US in 2020? That's a whole lot of people to celebrate on National Lena Day!