Log in · Sign up

Helena Girl

Popularity: #371 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

Pronunciationheh-LAY-nah / /həˈleɪ.nə/

Greek; Latin

Meaning

Greek: light; Latin: bright, shining

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Helena has its roots in the ancient Greek name Ἑλένη (Helénē), which is believed to derive from the Greek word ἥλιος (hēlios), meaning "sun." This etymology suggests connotations of light and brightness. The name was popularized in classical literature, notably through the figure of Helen of Troy, whose beauty was said to have sparked the Trojan War, as recounted in Homer's "Iliad" in the 8th century BCE. The name entered Latin as Helena, which was further adopted into various languages, including Old French and subsequently Middle English, by the time of the Norman Conquest in the 11th century CE.

Throughout history, the name Helena has been borne by several notable figures, including Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, who played a crucial role in the establishment of Christianity within the Roman Empire during the 4th century CE. She is often credited with finding the True Cross, and her legacy contributed to the name's enduring presence in Christian contexts. The name was also used by various queens and noblewomen across Europe, further embedding it in the historical narrative.

Culturally, Helena has been associated with themes of beauty, light, and divinity, which have contributed to its lasting appeal. The name has appeared in various literary works, including Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," where Helena is portrayed as a character embodying love and longing. Additionally, diminutive forms such as Lena or Nell have emerged, reflecting the name's adaptability across different cultures and languages. Overall, Helena's rich etymological background and historical significance underscore its resonance in various cultural and religious contexts.

Trend Summary

Helena has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, particularly in the 21st century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Elena
  • Alena
  • Helene

International Variants

  • Elena (Spanish)
  • Helene (French)
  • Olena (Ukrainian)

Famous people named Helena

Helena Bonham Carter is an actress best known for Fight Club, The King's Speech, and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Helena Christensen is a model and photographer best known for her work with Victoria's Secret, and her appearances in the music video for Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game.".

Helena Rubinstein is a businesswoman best known for founding the cosmetics company Helena Rubinstein, and for her contributions to the beauty industry.

Fictional characters named Helena

Helena Bonham Carter is a fictional character from the film Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. She is the ghost of Ravenclaw House who provides guidance to the main characters.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Helena was first seen in the United States in 1880. Helena has ranked as high as #697 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in New York, California, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Helena has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Helena (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 101
14%
CA 84
12%
FL 60
9%
MA 53
8%
NY 42
6%
PA 34
5%
NJ 32
5%
IL 29
4%
NC 25
4%
VA 23
3%
GA 21
3%
IN 18
3%
WA 17
2%
AZ 16
2%
OH 16
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188060
188161
188260
188369
188486
188586
188669
188778
1888103
1889103
1890100
189194
1892124
189399
1894106
1895107
1896118
1897131
1898133
1899135
1900112
1901119
1902133
1903108
1904112
1905106
190693
1907139
1908124
1909151
1910175
1911175
1912220
1913245
1914327
1915405
1916424
1917440
1918488
1919440
1920383
1921391
1922358
1923372
1924386
1925351
1926257
1927287
1928270
1929252
1930242
1931248
1932224
1933205
1934188
1935190
1936177
1937198
1938168
1939195
1940200
1941194
1942218
1943209
1944183
1945178
1946228
1947220
1948210
1949226
1950219
1951228
1952209
1953228
1954214
1955208
1956225
1957263
1958229
1959249
1960215
1961237
1962252
1963272
1964305
1965260
1966226
1967197
1968185
1969193
1970201
1971187
1972189
1973188
1974193
1975205
1976186
1977213
1978213
1979244
1980218
1981222
1982244
1983206
1984203
1985187
1986206
1987166
1988187
1989175
1990200
1991196
1992187
1993233
1994287
1995342
1996350
1997310
1998339
1999415
2000367
2001416
2002432
2003541
2004511
2005530
2006595
2007584
2008503
2009533
2010550
2011491
2012528
2013542
2014627
2015583
2016602
2017609
2018689
2019657
2020592
2021604
2022672
2023677
2024754