Jelena

The first name Jelena (Елена) is primarily common in Russia and represents a form of Helena or Helene.

What does the name Jelena mean?

Jelena (Елена) is a feminine name primarily considered a Russian variant of Helena or Helene. Translated, it means 'the Shining', 'the Radiant', 'the Sun-like', 'the Glorious', 'the Beautiful', 'the Torch', or 'the Moon'. The name has its roots in ancient Greek and is derived from the terms helénē (ἑλένη) for 'the Torch', 'the Light', and 'the Shine', hēlios (ἥλιος) for 'the Sun', 'the Sunlight', and 'the Sunrays', or selēnē (σελήνη) for 'the Moon'. The spelling with 'J' reflects the Russian pronunciation. Sometimes, Jelena is also considered an old South Slavic diminutive of Bjelena, meaning 'the White', derived from 'pobjelena, objelena, bjelena' for 'white, fair-skinned'. Other variants include Yelena, Yalena, Ilona, Illona, Ilon, Ylona, Ylenia, Ilena, Ileana, Ilenia, Yelene, Jelene, Yellena, Jelenka, Jelka, Ilenka, Ylenka, Alenka, Olena, Olenna, Olenka, Jelin, Jelina, Ilonka, Ilka, Ilca, and Iluska. The name became well-known through Greek mythology, where Helena is described as the daughter of Zeus and Leda and as the most beautiful woman in the world. Additionally, the name may have an original connection to Helios, the sun god of the Greeks.

Where does the name Jelena come from?

The origin of the name Jelena is ancient Greek and means 'the Shining' or 'the Radiant'.

How do you pronounce Jelena?

The pronunciation of Jelena is three syllables and fluid. In German pronunciation, the name is usually rendered as 'Je-le-na' [jɛˈleːna]. It begins with an open E sound that conveys a certain lightness. The stressed middle syllable with a long E gives the sound elegance. The open final 'a' provides a warm conclusion. Overall, Jelena thus appears feminine and melodious – harmonious, modern, and timeless.

When is the name day of Jelena?

The name days for Jelena are April 26, May 21, August 18, October 29, and November 15.

Popularity

In Germany, Jelena is a highly sought-after name. Currently, it ranks 828th on the list of the most common female first names. Its best ranking was achieved in 1994, reaching 101st place. In the last ten years, Jelena has been given as a first name about 450 times, placing it 919th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 861st.

Nicknames & pet names

Alena / Chelena / Elena / Ena / Gigi / Jeca / Jeje / Jeka / Jela / Jelchen / Jele / Jeli / Jelie / Jelina / Jelka / Jell / Jella / Jelle / Jelli / Jelly / Jelno / Jelo / Lela / Lena / Leni / Lenka / Lenotschka

Similar first names

Jelly

Famous people

• Jelena (a former Croatian queen)
• Jelena Abramowna Fatalibekowa (Russian chess player)
• Jelena Alexandrowna Sokolowa (Russian long jumper)
• Jelena Andrejewna Plozkaja (American biathlete)
• Jelena Antic (Macedonian basketball player)
• Jelena Borissowna Jelessina (Russian high jumper)
• Jelena Brocic (singer)
• Jelena Dembo (chess player from Russia)
• Jelena Dimitrijevic (Yugoslav football player)
• Jelena Dmitrijewna Dumnowa (Russian biathlete)
• Jelena Dokic (Australian tennis player)
• Jelena Gadschijewna Issinbajewa (Russian pole vaulter)
• Jelena Gavrilović (Serbian actress)
• Jelena Gavrilovic (British actress)
• Jelena Gennadjewna Dawgul (Russian biathlete)
• Jelena Gennadjewna Matijewskaja (rower from Russia)
• Jelena Germanowna Wodoresowa (Russian figure skater)
• Jelena Iwanowna Perepelkina (Russian wrestler)
• Jelena Jankovic (tennis player)
• Jelena Jovanova (Macedonian actress)