Helena Girl
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)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 101 | |
CA | 84 | |
FL | 60 | |
MA | 53 | |
NY | 42 | |
PA | 34 | |
NJ | 32 | |
IL | 29 | |
NC | 25 | |
VA | 23 | |
GA | 21 | |
IN | 18 | |
WA | 17 | |
AZ | 16 | |
OH | 16 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 60 |
1881 | 61 |
1882 | 60 |
1883 | 69 |
1884 | 86 |
1885 | 86 |
1886 | 69 |
1887 | 78 |
1888 | 103 |
1889 | 103 |
1890 | 100 |
1891 | 94 |
1892 | 124 |
1893 | 99 |
1894 | 106 |
1895 | 107 |
1896 | 118 |
1897 | 131 |
1898 | 133 |
1899 | 135 |
1900 | 112 |
1901 | 119 |
1902 | 133 |
1903 | 108 |
1904 | 112 |
1905 | 106 |
1906 | 93 |
1907 | 139 |
1908 | 124 |
1909 | 151 |
1910 | 175 |
1911 | 175 |
1912 | 220 |
1913 | 245 |
1914 | 327 |
1915 | 405 |
1916 | 424 |
1917 | 440 |
1918 | 488 |
1919 | 440 |
1920 | 383 |
1921 | 391 |
1922 | 358 |
1923 | 372 |
1924 | 386 |
1925 | 351 |
1926 | 257 |
1927 | 287 |
1928 | 270 |
1929 | 252 |
1930 | 242 |
1931 | 248 |
1932 | 224 |
1933 | 205 |
1934 | 188 |
1935 | 190 |
1936 | 177 |
1937 | 198 |
1938 | 168 |
1939 | 195 |
1940 | 200 |
1941 | 194 |
1942 | 218 |
1943 | 209 |
1944 | 183 |
1945 | 178 |
1946 | 228 |
1947 | 220 |
1948 | 210 |
1949 | 226 |
1950 | 219 |
1951 | 228 |
1952 | 209 |
1953 | 228 |
1954 | 214 |
1955 | 208 |
1956 | 225 |
1957 | 263 |
1958 | 229 |
1959 | 249 |
1960 | 215 |
1961 | 237 |
1962 | 252 |
1963 | 272 |
1964 | 305 |
1965 | 260 |
1966 | 226 |
1967 | 197 |
1968 | 185 |
1969 | 193 |
1970 | 201 |
1971 | 187 |
1972 | 189 |
1973 | 188 |
1974 | 193 |
1975 | 205 |
1976 | 186 |
1977 | 213 |
1978 | 213 |
1979 | 244 |
1980 | 218 |
1981 | 222 |
1982 | 244 |
1983 | 206 |
1984 | 203 |
1985 | 187 |
1986 | 206 |
1987 | 166 |
1988 | 187 |
1989 | 175 |
1990 | 200 |
1991 | 196 |
1992 | 187 |
1993 | 233 |
1994 | 287 |
1995 | 342 |
1996 | 350 |
1997 | 310 |
1998 | 339 |
1999 | 415 |
2000 | 367 |
2001 | 416 |
2002 | 432 |
2003 | 541 |
2004 | 511 |
2005 | 530 |
2006 | 595 |
2007 | 584 |
2008 | 503 |
2009 | 533 |
2010 | 550 |
2011 | 491 |
2012 | 528 |
2013 | 542 |
2014 | 627 |
2015 | 583 |
2016 | 602 |
2017 | 609 |
2018 | 689 |
2019 | 657 |
2020 | 592 |
2021 | 604 |
2022 | 672 |
2023 | 677 |
2024 | 754 |