How to say it
se · RE · na
səˈriː.nə
Feminine
Serena
Serene, calm
What it means
From the Latin serenus, 'clear,' 'calm,' or 'tranquil.'
Serena comes straight from the Latin serenus, 'clear and untroubled,' the same root behind 'serene.' An early saint carried it, and it has drifted in and out of use for centuries as a smooth, calming choice. Tennis great Serena Williams gave it a champion's edge, proving a placid meaning can sit on a fierce competitor. It keeps company with Sabrina and Selena. Rena is the natural short.
How to spell Serena
The standard spelling is Serena. Common variants include Serene, Sarina, Serina, but Serena is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
peaked at #209 in 2000, currently #325 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–2025. Reviewed July 2026. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Pop culture
Serena Williams and Gossip Girl's Serena van der Woodsen are the modern reference points.
Who's worn it
Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.
- Serena Williams 23-time Grand Slam singles tennis champion
Spelling variants
- Serene
- Sarina
- Serina
Names with the same feeling
See Serena from another angle
By meaning
By style
Common questions
- What does the name Serena mean?
- From the Latin serenus, 'clear,' 'calm,' or 'tranquil.'
- What does Serena mean in Latin?
- In Latin, Serena means "Serene, calm." Serena comes straight from the Latin serenus, 'clear and untroubled,' the same root behind 'serene.' An early saint carried it, and it has drifted in and out of use for centuries as a smooth, calming choice. Tennis great Serena Williams gave it a champion's edge, proving a placid meaning can sit on a fierce competitor. It keeps company with Sabrina and Selena. Rena is the natural short.
- How do you pronounce Serena?
- Serena is pronounced səˈriː.nə. Say it as se-RE-na, with the stress on the "re" syllable.
- How do you spell Serena?
- The standard spelling is Serena. Common spelling variants include Serene, Sarina, Serina.
- Is Serena a boy or girl name?
- Serena is traditionally a feminine name.
- How popular is the name Serena?
- Serena ranked #325 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.