Nena

Nena is a Spanish feminine given name and term of endearment, functioning as an affectionate diminutive for "girl" or "little one" — related to niña. It carries a warm, informal tenderness that is characteristic of Romance-language endearments, the kind of name used for someone small and dearly loved. The German pop group Nena gave the name global recognition in the 1980s through the song 99 Luftballons.

Nena ranks #199 among America's most popular pet names, reflecting the warmth of Spanish-language naming traditions and the particular tenderness of endearment-names given to small, beloved companions. It has a soft, musical quality — the doubled N and the open vowel ending give it a gentle rhythm that is pleasant to say and easy to call. Nena suits companions who are small, sweet, and deeply cherished: the ones who inspire the kind of affection that makes people speak quietly.