Yelena Girl
Origin(s)
Pronunciationyeh-LEN-ah / jɛˈlɛnəSlavic; Greek
Meaning
Shining light; bright one
Historical & Cultural Background
Yelena is a Slavic variant of the name Helen, which has roots in Greek mythology. The name has been popular in various Slavic countries, particularly Russia and Ukraine. It is often associated with beauty and brightness, reflecting its meaning. Yelena has been used in literature and art, contributing to its cultural significance.
Trend Summary
Yelena has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., with a notable increase in recent years.
Similar Names
Variants
- Elena
- Helena
International Variants
- Elena (Spanish)
- Helena (Latin)
- Olena (Ukrainian)
Famous people named Yelena
Yelena Isinbayeva is a retired Russian pole vaulter who is a two-time Olympic champion and world record holder.
Yelena Bonner was a prominent Russian human rights activist and the widow of dissident Andrei Sakharov.
Yelena Akhtiorskaya is a contemporary Russian-American author known for her literary works.
Yelena Sviridova is a Russian actress recognized for her roles in film and television.
Fictional characters named Yelena
Yelena is a character in the 'Grishaverse' series by Leigh Bardugo, known for her magical abilities.
Yelena Zosimova is a character in the novel 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern, who plays a significant role in the story.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Yelena was first seen in the United States in 1961. Yelena has ranked as high as #1248 nationally, which occurred in 2022, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Washington. In the past 5 years the name Yelena has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Yelena (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 16 | |
| TX | 9 | |
| CO | 6 | |
| NC | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1961 | 6 |
| 1965 | 7 |
| 1972 | 5 |
| 1978 | 5 |
| 1979 | 6 |
| 1980 | 6 |
| 1981 | 5 |
| 1982 | 5 |
| 1986 | 14 |
| 1988 | 14 |
| 1989 | 9 |
| 1990 | 12 |
| 1991 | 16 |
| 1992 | 12 |
| 1993 | 9 |
| 1994 | 8 |
| 1995 | 19 |
| 1996 | 27 |
| 1997 | 20 |
| 1998 | 18 |
| 1999 | 10 |
| 2000 | 27 |
| 2001 | 28 |
| 2002 | 29 |
| 2003 | 66 |
| 2004 | 53 |
| 2005 | 48 |
| 2006 | 50 |
| 2007 | 57 |
| 2008 | 70 |
| 2009 | 52 |
| 2010 | 41 |
| 2011 | 48 |
| 2012 | 36 |
| 2013 | 42 |
| 2014 | 48 |
| 2015 | 39 |
| 2016 | 56 |
| 2017 | 43 |
| 2018 | 31 |
| 2019 | 38 |
| 2020 | 29 |
| 2021 | 62 |
| 2022 | 145 |
| 2023 | 71 |
| 2024 | 72 |