I love
Jenna, but I really dislike
Jennifer.
Jenna seems less dated — cute and spunky, like you said. I don't like the "fer" sound in
Jennifer so
Jenna solves that problem, and she can still get called
Jen, which is a nice little informal nickname.
I'm not sure about its history or etymology. I always assumed it was invented as a nickname for
Jennifer, but I don't know if that's really the case or not.
*
LISTEN TO THE MUSTN'TS
-
Shel Silverstein
Listen to the MUSTN'TS, child,
Listen to the DON'TS
Listen to the SHOULDN'TS
The IMPOSSIBLES, the WON'TS
Listen to the NEVER HAVES
Then listen close to me—
Anything can happen, child,
ANYTHING can be.