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Elina Girl

Popularity: #609 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

Pronunciationeh-LEE-nah / ɛˈlinə

Greek; 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

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)

StateBirthsShare
CA 81
26%
TX 36
11%
NY 25
8%
IL 20
6%
FL 15
5%
PA 15
5%
VA 11
3%
NJ 10
3%
NC 9
3%
GA 9
3%
CO 7
2%
TN 7
2%
WA 7
2%
OH 7
2%
MA 7
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18969
18986
19005
19015
19037
19126
19139
19157
19167
19179
191813
19215
192211
19237
19255
19285
19305
193110
19335
19365
19385
19398
19425
19436
19496
19515
19525
19535
19547
19568
19597
19619
19635
19646
19657
19665
19679
196811
196912
19709
19718
19738
197411
197512
197614
197712
197819
197917
198014
198117
198213
198319
198426
198517
198622
198713
198823
198917
199019
199125
199224
199328
199433
199543
199621
199735
199842
199941
200061
200158
200257
200367
200476
2005110
2006147
2007153
2008170
2009215
2010182
2011232
2012210
2013216
2014231
2015249
2016246
2017210
2018261
2019287
2020260
2021272
2022326
2023308
2024358