"Hospitable, guest-friend"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Zena
Pronunciation: [ z-EEN-uh ]
Does Zena flow with your last name?
Strength, warmth, and ancient welcome
Greek
Persian
African
American
Strong
Bold
Elegant
Vintage
Unique
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Zena
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"Woman, feminine"
Origin: Persian
Language: Persian
"News, tidings"
Origin: Ethiopian
Language: Amharic
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Things to Know About This Name
- Often associated with Xena: Warrior Princess TV show
The Story of Zena
Zena has multiple origins. In Greek it derives from xenos meaning stranger or guest-friend, related to the concept of xenia (hospitality). In Persian, zan means woman. In Ethiopian Amharic, zena means news or tidings. This multicultural heritage gives Zena remarkable depth.
Zena has been used across cultures for centuries. In the West it gained attention through the TV series Xena: Warrior Princess in the 1990s. It remains a distinctive choice that feels both familiar and exotic.
In Ethiopian culture, Zena is a meaningful name relating to communication and news. In the Greek tradition, hospitality (xenia) was a sacred duty, making this name one of virtue and welcome.
Historical Record
Zena first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 4,331 babies have been named Zena in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Zena is past its peak , currently ranked #2,269 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Greek concept of xenia (guest-friendship) from which Zena derives was protected by Zeus himself.
- Zena is a popular name in Ethiopia where it means news or report.
- The TV warrior Xena popularized this name globally in the 1990s.
Zena in Other Languages
Greek
Xena
Amharic
Zena
Persian
Zan
Popularity Over Time
#2,269
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1964
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Zena
Z
Zena Walker
Actor
1934
British actress who appeared in British film and television productions
X
Xena the Warrior Princess Fictional
Other
Fictional heroine of the 1990s TV series, often spelled Zena by fans
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Compare Zena with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,269
- Total SSA Count
- 82
- Cultural Origins
- Greek Persian African American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Zee
Zenny
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Zena
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Zena
What does the name Zena mean?
"Hospitable, guest-friend" (from Greek). "Woman, feminine" (from Persian). "News, tidings" (from Ethiopian). Zena has multiple origins. In Greek it derives from xenos meaning stranger or guest-friend, related to the concept of xenia (hospitality). In Persian, zan means woman. In Ethiopian Amharic, zena means news or tidings. This multicultural heritage gives Zena remarkable depth.
What is the origin of the name Zena?
Zena has Greek, Persian, Ethiopian, African, and American origins. In Greek, it means "Hospitable, guest-friend". In Persian, it means "Woman, feminine". In Ethiopian, it means "News, tidings".
Is Zena a boy or girl name?
Zena is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Zena?
Zena is pronounced z-EEN-uh.
How popular is the name Zena?
Zena is currently ranked #2269 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Zena?
Common nicknames for Zena include Zee and Zenny.
What are good middle names for Zena?
Popular middle name pairings include Zena Marie, Zena Rose, Zena Jade, Zena Belle, Zena Faye, Zena Dawn, and Zena Claire.
What are good sibling names for Zena?
Names that pair well with Zena as siblings include Cyrus, Daria, Leila, Roxana, Darius, Shirin, and Aria.
How many syllables does Zena have?
Zena has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Zena a common or rare name?
Zena is an uncommon name, ranked #2269 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Zena?
About the Name Zena
Zena is a girl name with Greek, Persian, African, and American origins . The name means "Hospitable, guest-friend" in Greek .
Zena is currently ranked #2,269 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Zena has 2 syllables and is pronounced z-EEN-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Zena include Zee and Zenny. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Zena include Zendaya, Zenaida, Zeniyah, Zen, Zenobia . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis