Choosing a baby name can be surprisingly difficult. Many parents want something beautiful and meaningful without choosing a name their child may share with several classmates. That has helped keep interest alive in uncommon names—especially those that sound modern while having much older roots.

One name that fits that description is Adena. It is an unusual feminine name with connections to the name Adina, which has Hebrew roots and is traditionally associated with ideas such as delicacy or gentleness. Despite its ancient background, Adena has a short, flowing sound that can feel surprisingly contemporary. It has appeared in the United States and other countries but remains uncommon compared with names such as Emma, Olivia, or Sophia. For parents fascinated by distinctive names, that combination of rarity and history makes Adena particularly intriguing. But its beautiful sound isn’t the only reason this little-known name has captured attention.