Leena

Leena is a Finnish and Estonian short form associated with names such as Helena and Matleena. Through Helena it belongs to the Helen family, traditionally linked with light, though the earliest etymology is debated. Through Matleena it connects with Magdalene, meaning a woman from Magdala. Those are different histories, so the name should not be given a single combined translation.

English-speaking parents sometimes prefer the double e because it suggests the vowel they intend more directly than Lena. That does not make every language’s pronunciation identical, and a family connection remains the best guide. Leena can stand as a complete name or honor a longer form. Lena offers a closely related spelling with a broader range of familiar pronunciations.