Lenya

LEHN-yah

Variation of Lenja, Olena, Helen, Yalena, German, Russian, Greek

"shining torch"

Lenya Origin and Meaning

The name Lenya is a girl's name meaning "shining torch".

A friendly sounding choice with European charm, Lenya has a number of possible origins. On one hand, it can be seen as an anglicization of the German compound name Lenja, created by blending Lena with either Anja, Tanja, or Maja, giving it the meanings "graceful shining torch" or "beloved shining torch".

Alternatively, it may simply be used as an alternative spelling or form of the classic Helen and its international variations Olena, Yalena, and Alena.

As a masculine name, it is a Russian diminutive of Leonid, meaning "lion", and it it also the name of a town and river in Burma and a crater on Mars.

A notable bearer is Icelandic politician, Lenya Rún Taha Karim, while Instagrammer Jaden McGrew chose it for her daughter in 2024.

Popularity of the name Lenya

• 130 Germany 2016

Famous People Named Lenya

• Lotte Lenya Austrian actress

The name Lenya in Pop Culture

• Lenya River Myanmar