Elena

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Elena

Gender Girl
Origin Greek
Letters 5
Syllables 3
Pronunciation ih-LAY-nuh

Elena, which has 5 letters and 3 syllables, is a female name of Greek origin.

Meaning of Elena

Light

Elena is a female name of Greek origin meaning "bright, shining light". It is often used as a variant of Helen, which is derived from the Greek word helene meaning "torch" or "moon".

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Meaning Light
Origin Greek
Gender Girl
Popularity (US) #45 in 2024 Steady
Rarity (US) Popular (Top 50)
Era Modern (peaked 2024)

Background & History of The Name Elena

The name Elena is of Greek origin and is derived from the Greek name Helene, which means "torch" or "light". It is a popular name for girls in various countries, including Italy, Spain, Russia, and Greece.

Elena has a rich history and has been used since ancient times. In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy, also known as Helen of Sparta, was considered one of the most beautiful women in the world. She was the daughter of Zeus and Leda, and her abduction by Paris of Troy sparked the Trojan War. The name Elena gained popularity due to the romanticized tales and legends surrounding Helen of Troy.

The name Elena has different variations and spellings in various languages. In Italian, it is spelled Elana or Eleana, while in Spanish it is commonly spelled Elena. In Russian, the name is written as Yelena or Yelizaveta. These variations reflect the diverse cultural influences on the name over time.

Elena is a timeless and elegant name that exudes grace and beauty. It is associated with creativity, intelligence, and independence. Many famous individuals bear the name Elena, including Elena Kagan, an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, and Elena Ferrante, an acclaimed Italian author.

The name Elena continues to be popular among parents today. Its melodic sound and global recognition make it a versatile name that suits different cultures and languages. Whether spelled Elena, Elana, Eleana, Yelena, or Yelizaveta, the name carries a sense of strength and allure that has stood the test of time.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Elena over the years.

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