Senna

Pronunciation: [ s-EHN-uh ]

Girl Name #1,997 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

Sleek, Scandinavian, and charged with racing legend

Scandinavian Dutch Brazilian

Modern Elegant Unique Bold

Meaning & Origin

"brightness, radiance (Scandinavian)"

Origin: Old Norse

Language: Norwegian

"old, wise one"

Origin: Germanic

Language: Dutch

"senna plant (medicinally significant)"

Origin: Arabic 'sana'

Language: English

Things to Know About This Name

Strongly associated with Ayrton Senna (iconic F1 driver) — positive for racing fans

The Story of Senna

Senna has multiple possible roots: in Scandinavian languages it may derive from Old Norse elements meaning 'old' or 'wise'; as a place name it appears in Old English; and Senna is also a genus of flowering plants used medicinally since ancient times. In the Netherlands and Scandinavia, Senna is used as a feminine given name. In Brazil and much of the world, Senna carries the legacy of the legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna.

Senna has been rising in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Scandinavia since the 2000s. The F1 connection gives it an exciting, dynamic energy, while its clean two-syllable sound makes it globally accessible. It's a fresh alternative to the very popular Sienna.

In Brazil, the Senna name is almost sacred — Ayrton Senna da Silva (1960–1994) is considered a national hero and one of the greatest F1 drivers in history. His death at Imola in 1994 was a day of national mourning. Parents inspired by his legacy sometimes choose Senna as a tribute.

Fun Facts

Ayrton Senna won 3 Formula 1 World Championships (1988, 1990, 1991) and holds the record for most pole positions for many years
Senna is also a genus of leguminous plants with medicinal properties used since ancient Egyptian times

Senna in Other Languages

Dutch Senna

French Senna

German Senna

Swedish Senna

Portuguese Senna

Famous People Named Senna

Senna Guemmour

Musician

1983

French-Algerian singer and actress

Ayrton Senna

Athlete

1960

Brazilian Formula 1 legend, 3-time World Champion, considered one of the greatest drivers of all time

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #1,997
Total SSA Count: 98
Cultural Origins: Scandinavian Dutch Brazilian
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Sen

Pairs Well With

Senna Rose Senna Mae Senna Claire Senna Elise Senna Grace Senna Violet

Sibling Names

Finn Lena Kai Astrid Nils Freya

Also a Boy Name

Senna is also used as a boy name, ranked #6740.

View Senna as a boy name →

Similar Names

Jennie Jenny Serena Sena Vienna Gemma Jemma Jenna

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Senna

What does the name Senna mean?

"brightness, radiance (Scandinavian)" (from Old Norse). "old, wise one" (from Germanic). "senna plant (medicinally significant)" (from Arabic 'sana'). Senna has multiple possible roots: in Scandinavian languages it may derive from Old Norse elements meaning 'old' or 'wise'; as a place name it appears in Old English; and Senna is also a genus of flowering plants used medicinally since ancient times. In the Netherlands and Scandinavia, Senna is used as a feminine given name. In Brazil and much of the world, Senna carries the legacy of the legendary Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna.

What is the origin of the name Senna?

Senna has Old Norse, Germanic, Arabic 'sana', Scandinavian, Dutch, and Brazilian origins. In Old Norse, it means "brightness, radiance (Scandinavian)". In Germanic, it means "old, wise one". In Arabic 'sana', it means "senna plant (medicinally significant)".

Is Senna a boy or girl name?

Senna is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1997. As a boy name, it is ranked #6740. Senna is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Senna?

Senna is pronounced s-EHN-uh.

How popular is the name Senna?

Senna is currently ranked #1997 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Senna?

Common nicknames for Senna include Sen.

What are good middle names for Senna?

Popular middle name pairings include Senna Rose, Senna Mae, Senna Claire, Senna Elise, Senna Grace, and Senna Violet.

What are good sibling names for Senna?

Names that pair well with Senna as siblings include Finn, Lena, Kai, Astrid, Nils, and Freya.

How many syllables does Senna have?

Senna has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Senna a common or rare name?

Senna is an uncommon name, ranked #1997 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Senna

Senna is a girl name with Scandinavian, Dutch, and Brazilian origins . The name means "brightness, radiance (Scandinavian)" in Old Norse .

Is Senna a boy or girl name? Senna is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,997 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #6,740. Senna is more commonly used as a girl name.

Senna is currently ranked #1,997 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Senna has 2 syllables and is pronounced s-EHN-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Senna include Sen. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.