Elina Girl
Origin(s)
Pronunciationeh-LEE-nah / ɛˈlinəGreek; Hebrew; Scandinavian
Meaning
Greek: light; Hebrew: God has answered; Scandinavian: noble
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Elina has roots in multiple linguistic traditions, primarily deriving from the Greek name Helenē, which means "torch" or "light." The name Helenē evolved into various forms across different cultures, including the Latin Helena, which was adopted into Old French as Hélène. This progression illustrates the name's journey through languages, ultimately leading to its use in English as Helen. The name Elina can be seen as a diminutive or variant of Helena, particularly in Slavic languages, where it has gained distinct recognition.
Historically, the name Helen has significant milestones, notably its association with figures from classical mythology and literature. Helen of Troy, a central character in Homer's epic, the Iliad, is perhaps the most famous bearer of the name, symbolizing beauty and the complexities of love and war. The name's prominence continued through the Christian tradition, with Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, who is credited with finding the True Cross. Her veneration in the early Christian church helped solidify the name's importance in various cultures.
Culturally, the name Elina and its variants have resonated through literature and art, often symbolizing light, beauty, and purity. In Slavic cultures, Elina is embraced as a standalone name, reflecting a blend of historical significance and contemporary usage. The name's association with light and illumination has contributed to its enduring appeal across generations, making it a cherished choice in various cultural contexts. Overall, Elina embodies a rich tapestry of linguistic evolution and historical significance, rooted in ancient traditions that continue to influence its perception.
Trend Summary
Elina has seen a steady rise in popularity in the United States over the past few decades.
Similar Names
Variants
- Alina
- Elena
- Helena
International Variants
- Elina (Finnish)
- Elena (Spanish)
- Alina (Slavic)
Famous people named Elina
Elina Svitolina is a professional tennis player best known for winning the WTA Finals, reaching the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, and being ranked as high as World No. 3.
Elina Garanca is a Latvian mezzo-soprano best known for her performances in operas such as Carmen, La Cenerentola, and The Merry Widow.
Fictional characters named Elina
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Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Elina was first seen in the United States in 1896. Elina has ranked as high as #1009 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Elina has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Elina (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 81 | |
TX | 36 | |
NY | 25 | |
IL | 20 | |
FL | 15 | |
PA | 15 | |
VA | 11 | |
NJ | 10 | |
NC | 9 | |
GA | 9 | |
CO | 7 | |
TN | 7 | |
WA | 7 | |
OH | 7 | |
MA | 7 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1896 | 9 |
1898 | 6 |
1900 | 5 |
1901 | 5 |
1903 | 7 |
1912 | 6 |
1913 | 9 |
1915 | 7 |
1916 | 7 |
1917 | 9 |
1918 | 13 |
1921 | 5 |
1922 | 11 |
1923 | 7 |
1925 | 5 |
1928 | 5 |
1930 | 5 |
1931 | 10 |
1933 | 5 |
1936 | 5 |
1938 | 5 |
1939 | 8 |
1942 | 5 |
1943 | 6 |
1949 | 6 |
1951 | 5 |
1952 | 5 |
1953 | 5 |
1954 | 7 |
1956 | 8 |
1959 | 7 |
1961 | 9 |
1963 | 5 |
1964 | 6 |
1965 | 7 |
1966 | 5 |
1967 | 9 |
1968 | 11 |
1969 | 12 |
1970 | 9 |
1971 | 8 |
1973 | 8 |
1974 | 11 |
1975 | 12 |
1976 | 14 |
1977 | 12 |
1978 | 19 |
1979 | 17 |
1980 | 14 |
1981 | 17 |
1982 | 13 |
1983 | 19 |
1984 | 26 |
1985 | 17 |
1986 | 22 |
1987 | 13 |
1988 | 23 |
1989 | 17 |
1990 | 19 |
1991 | 25 |
1992 | 24 |
1993 | 28 |
1994 | 33 |
1995 | 43 |
1996 | 21 |
1997 | 35 |
1998 | 42 |
1999 | 41 |
2000 | 61 |
2001 | 58 |
2002 | 57 |
2003 | 67 |
2004 | 76 |
2005 | 110 |
2006 | 147 |
2007 | 153 |
2008 | 170 |
2009 | 215 |
2010 | 182 |
2011 | 232 |
2012 | 210 |
2013 | 216 |
2014 | 231 |
2015 | 249 |
2016 | 246 |
2017 | 210 |
2018 | 261 |
2019 | 287 |
2020 | 260 |
2021 | 272 |
2022 | 326 |
2023 | 308 |
2024 | 358 |