Eleni
Eleni is a girl's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Torch, shining light, or bright one.
Origin and history
Eleni is a classic Greek feminine name that serves as the modern Greek form of Helen. In the United States, it has seen steady, moderate usage, particularly within Greek-American communities and among parents seeking a softer alternative to Elena or Helen.
Popularity in the United States
6,822 babies in the United States have been named Eleni since 1880. It ranks #2045 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1091.
States where it is most popular
- NY (23.1 %)
- CA (17.3 %)
- IL (10.9 %)
- TX (7.4 %)
- MA (6.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 22 |
| 1950-1960 | 100 |
| 1960-1970 | 239 |
| 1970-1980 | 469 |
| 1980-1990 | 762 |
| 1990-2000 | 1,275 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,319 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,420 |
| 2020-2029 | 1,216 |
Famous people named Eleni
- Eleni Mandell: Musician, Singer-songwriter
- Eleni Kounalakis: Politician, Diplomat
- Eleni Daniilidou: Athlete, Tennis Player
Nicknames
Leni, Ellie, Lena
Fun facts
- Eleni is the modern Greek pronunciation and spelling of the ancient name Helena.
- In Greece and the Greek diaspora, namedays for Eleni are widely celebrated on May 21st alongside Constantine.