Jena is a diminutive form of the name Jennifer, which itself is of Cornish origin, meaning 'white shadow' or 'white wave'. The name Jena has been used in various cultures and languages, often retaining its connection to the original meaning of Jennifer. In modern usage, Jena is also associated with the city of Jena in Germany, known for its educational and research institutions, as well as its historical significance in the fields of optics and German Romanticism.