Jenna

Jenna developed as a short form of Jennifer and can also stand on its own. Jennifer is the Cornish form of Guinevere, whose older elements are commonly interpreted in terms of fairness or whiteness and a spirit or phantom. “White wave” is a familiar baby-name gloss, but it does not accurately represent the usual historical explanation.

The character Jenna Wade in Dallas is one popular-culture association, while Jenna Bush Hager is a real-world bearer. Neither association is the origin of the name itself. Jena and Jennah are alternative spellings, although Jena can prompt a different pronunciation. Jenna keeps its connection to Jennifer visible while avoiding the need to use Jennifer as a longer official name.