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Name meaning & originMilena

/mee-LEH-nah/

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Milena is a Slavic girl's name pronounced /mee-LEH-nah/. A melodic and popular name that translates to someone who is dear, kind, and pleasant.

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Meaning of Milena

A melodic and popular name that translates to someone who is dear, kind, and pleasant.

Milena is a feminine name of Slavic origin derived from the element 'milu', which translates to 'gracious', 'dear', or 'pleasant'. It historically functioned as a feminine form of male names like Milan or Miloš, gaining widespread popularity across Eastern and Central Europe.

Origin
Slavic
Pronunciation
/mee-LEH-nah/

Cultural background

The name is exceptionally common in Serbia, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Bulgaria, where it is often associated with warmth and kindness. In these cultures, it remains a timeless choice that transitions well between formal and informal settings.

Variations & nicknames

  • Mila
  • Milica
  • Milka
  • Milenka
  • Mylène
  • Milenia

Famous people named Milena

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Milena Jesenská

    Czech journalist, writer, and translator known for her correspondence with Franz Kafka.

    Literature · 1896–1944

  • Milena Kunis

    Widely known as Mila Kunis, a prominent American actress born in Ukraine.

    Film · 1994–present

  • Milena Vukotic

    Award-winning Italian film and theatrical actress of Montenegrin descent.

    Film · 1950s–present

  • Milena Pavlovic-Barili

    Serbian painter and poet who was a successful fashion illustrator for Vogue.

    Art · 1909–1945

  • Milena Govich

    American actress and director known for her role on Law & Order.

    Film · 2000s–present

Frequently asked about Milena

What does Milena mean?
Milena means 'dear', 'pleasant', or 'gracious', originating from the Slavic root word 'mil'.
How do you pronounce Milena?
It is typically pronounced mih-LEH-nah, with the emphasis on the second syllable.
Is Milena a boy or girl name?
Milena is exclusively a girl's name; the masculine equivalent is Milan.
What is the nickname for Milena?
Common nicknames include Mila, Lena, Milka, and Milenka.

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