Helen
Helen is a girl's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Torch, shining light, or bright.
Origin and history
Helen is a classic name derived from the Ancient Greek word for torch, light, or bright. Historically one of the most popular female names in the United States, it ranked among the top names for decades and remains a timeless traditional choice.
Popularity in the United States
1,024,202 babies in the United States have been named Helen since 1880. It ranks #12 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #426.
States where it is most popular
- PA (11.3 %)
- NY (10.4 %)
- IL (5.8 %)
- OH (5.7 %)
- CA (3.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 11,496 |
| 1890-1900 | 37,802 |
| 1900-1910 | 69,428 |
| 1910-1920 | 248,154 |
| 1920-1930 | 290,404 |
| 1930-1940 | 140,426 |
| 1940-1950 | 90,742 |
| 1950-1960 | 57,580 |
| 1960-1970 | 29,099 |
| 1970-1980 | 11,476 |
| 1980-1990 | 8,413 |
| 1990-2000 | 8,403 |
| 2000-2010 | 8,847 |
| 2010-2019 | 7,585 |
| 2020-2029 | 4,347 |
Famous people named Helen
- Helen Keller: Author, Activist
- Helen Mirren: Actor
- Helen Hunt: Actor, Director
Nicknames
Lena, Nellie, Nell, Hennie
Fun facts
- In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy was renowned as the most beautiful woman in the world.
- Helen was consistently among the top three most popular female names in the United States from 1890 to 1910.