Helena

Helena is a female first name that originates from ancient Greek and is considered a Latinized form of the name Helene. The exact origin and meaning of the name are disputed.

What does the name Helena mean?

The name Helena can have various meanings: on one hand, "the shining one," derived from the ancient Greek word 'helene' for 'torch' or 'light.' Another possibility is the meaning "the moon," which comes from the ancient Greek 'selene,' the name of the moon goddess in Greek mythology. Finally, Helena could also be translated as "the radiant one," which traces back to the ancient Greek word 'helios' for "sun." In Greek mythology, Helena is the wife of the Spartan king Menelaus and is described as the most beautiful woman in the world. Her abduction by the Trojan prince Paris famously led to the Trojan War. After the fall of Troy, she returned to Menelaus, and they had a daughter named Hermione. Variants of the name include Helene, Lena (Low German), Helen (English), Elena (Italian, Spanish), and Ilona (Hungarian).

Where does the name Helena come from?

The name Helena has its roots in ancient Greek and is associated with meanings such as "the moon" or "the radiant one." The word components consist of 'helene' for "the torch, the light," 'selene' for "the moon," and 'helios' for "the sun, the sun rays." Helena is widespread in various languages, including Danish, German, Latinized, Dutch, Norwegian, Swedish, and Scandinavian.

How do you pronounce Helena?

The name Helena is melodically pronounced in the German language and consists of three to four syllables. It is typically articulated as "He-le-na" [heˈleːna], with the middle syllable emphasized with a long 'e.' This open vowel sequence gives the name an elegant touch. Helena radiates a classic and feminine charm that appears harmonious, stylish, and present.

When is the name day of Helena?

The name day for Helena is celebrated on the following dates: April 26, May 21, August 18, October 29, and November 15.

Popularity

In Germany, the name Helena was predominantly in the top 100 to top 250 from 1919 until the end of the 1920s. In 1919, it reached 97th place but mostly fell back into the top 150 in the following years. From the 1930s to the mid-1950s, the name consistently established itself in the top 100, even reaching the top 80 at times (about 77th place in 1936). Particularly in the 1940s and early 1950s, it remained stable between 80th and 95th place.

Nicknames & pet names

Elena / Eleni / Ella / Elle / Elli / Ena / Fürstin / Hel / Hela / Helchen / Heldin / Hele / Helen / Helenalein / Helenator / Helenchen / Helene / Heleni / Helenka / Helenor / Helenski / Heli / Helicopter / Helina / Helinchen / Helini / Helininchen / Hell / Hella / Helle / Hellelle / Helli / Hellibelly / Helly / Helna / Helni / Helno / Helo / Helse / Helson / Hena / Henna / Henne / Hille / Höllena / Len / Lena / Lenchen / Leni / LenLen / Lenny / Lensen / Lêle / Nelli / Nena

Similar first names

Hellena, Ilka, Ilona, Jelena, Jelka

Famous people

• Helena Andrews (Indian writer)
• Helena Barocsi (long-distance runner from Hungary)
• Helena Berimbau (badminton player from Poland)
• Helena Blach Lavrsen (curler)
• Helena Bliss (American singer)
• Helena Bonham-Carter (actress)
• Helena Bulaja (Croatian film director)
• Helena Carrion (Swiss actress)
• Helena Christensen (model)
• Helena Dow (fencer from the USA)
• Helena Forti (German opera singer)
• Helena Henstridge (main character in 'The Royals')
• Helena Holl (Greek singer)
• Helena Houdova (model from the Czech Republic)
• Helena Jonsson (biathlete)
• Helena Kadare (Albanian writer)
• Helena Makowska (Polish actress)
• Helena Noguerra (actress)
• Helena Paparizou (singer)
• Helena Pasierbska (Polish writer)