Asena
Asena is a Muslim girl name meaning “Legendary she-wolf of Turkic myth”.
| Meaning | Legendary she-wolf of Turkic myth |
|---|---|
| Gender | Girl |
| Origin | Turkic |
| Pronunciation | ah-SEH-nah |
| Muslim name? | Used by Muslims |
Meaning and origin of Asena
Asena is not a word with a dictionary meaning but the name of a figure from Turkic legend. In the origin story of the Göktürks, the early medieval Turkic people of the steppe, a boy is left wounded after his people are wiped out; a she-wolf finds him, nurses him back to health and later bears his children, who become the ancestors of the Göktürk royal line. In modern Turkish tradition that she-wolf is called Asena, and the name therefore stands for protection, endurance and motherhood.
The legend survives in early Chinese records about the Turks, where a similar word appears as the name of the ruling clan; the form Asena as the wolf's personal name became widespread in Turkey in the twentieth century. As interest in pre-Islamic Turkic heritage grew, parents began to give Asena to daughters as a symbol of national roots. It is pronounced ah-SEH-nah, and the spelling is stable in Turkish usage. Because it comes from legend rather than Islamic tradition, it has no Arabic root or religious meaning. It is used by Muslim families in Turkey, while parents who prefer an Arabic name sometimes choose Asiya, Aseel or Ayla instead.
Is Asena a Muslim name?
Asena is a Turkish name drawn from pre-Islamic Turkic legend. It is used by Muslim families in Turkey, though it is not an Islamic name; Arabic alternatives include Asiya, Aseel or Ayla.
Where is the name Asena used?
Used in Turkey.
Gifts with the name Asena
- Asena name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Asena baby gifts (Amazon)
- Islamic baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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More girl names like Asena
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Asena mean?
Asena means 'Legendary she-wolf of Turkic myth'. It comes from Turkic.
Is Asena a Muslim name?
Asena is a Turkish name drawn from pre-Islamic Turkic legend. It is used by Muslim families in Turkey, though it is not an Islamic name; Arabic alternatives include Asiya, Aseel or Ayla.
How do you pronounce Asena?
Asena is pronounced ah-SEH-nah.
What does Asena mean in Turkish?
Asena is the name of the she-wolf in the Göktürk origin legend, who saved a boy and became the mother of the Turkic people.
Is Asena an Islamic name?
No. Asena comes from pre-Islamic Turkic legend, although it is used by Muslim families in Turkey.