Adena

Adena is a feminine given name that serves as an alternate transcription of the Hebrew name Adina, derived from the Hebrew word ʿaḏin meaning "delicate." The name appears in the Hebrew Bible as a masculine name (e.g., Adina, a soldier of David in 1 Chronicles 11:42), but in modern usage, Adena and its variants are predominantly female.

Notable Bearers

Several notable individuals bear the name Adena or its variant Adeena:

• Adena Friedman (born 1969), American businesswoman and CEO of Nasdaq, Inc.
• Adeena Karasick (born 1965), Canadian poet, performance artist, and essayist.
• Adena Halpern (born 1968), American author.
• Adena Ishii, American politician and member of the Hawaii House of Representatives.
• Adena Jacobs (born 1982), Australian theatre director.
• Adena Miller Rich (1888–1967), American social worker, philanthropist, and activist.
• Adena Williams Loston (born 1952), American college president.
• Adena (musician), Romanian singer-songwriter.

Cultural Significance

The name Adena is also associated with the prehistoric Adena culture of the Ohio River Valley in North America, though the name's origin is unrelated. The given name remains relatively uncommon but carries a soft, elegant sound consistent with its meaning.

• Meaning: Delicate
• Origin: Hebrew
• Type: Feminine given name
• Usage: English-speaking countries, Israel