Helena
Helena is a girl's name of Greek origin.
Meaning
Shining light, torch, or bright one.
Origin and history
Helena is a classic female name of Greek origin, traditionally understood to mean 'shining light' or 'torch'. It has been continuously used in the United States since at least 1880, maintaining a steady and timeless presence. In recent years, its popularity has seen a modest rise among American parents seeking traditional, international names.
Popularity in the United States
40,412 babies in the United States have been named Helena since 1880. It ranks #679 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #445.
States where it is most popular
- NY (12.7 %)
- CA (12.4 %)
- PA (8.1 %)
- TX (7.5 %)
- MA (6.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 775 |
| 1890-1900 | 1,147 |
| 1900-1910 | 1,197 |
| 1910-1920 | 3,339 |
| 1920-1930 | 3,307 |
| 1930-1940 | 2,035 |
| 1940-1950 | 2,066 |
| 1950-1960 | 2,273 |
| 1960-1970 | 2,342 |
| 1970-1980 | 2,018 |
| 1980-1990 | 2,014 |
| 1990-2000 | 2,859 |
| 2000-2010 | 5,013 |
| 2010-2019 | 5,882 |
| 2020-2029 | 4,145 |
Famous people named Helena
- Helena Bonham Carter: Actress
- Helena Christensen: Model, Photographer
- Helena Rubinstein: Entrepreneur, Philanthropist
Nicknames
Lena, Nellie, Helen, Lainey
Fun facts
- The name traces back to Helen of Troy in Greek mythology, famous as the daughter of Zeus whose beauty led to the Trojan War.
- Saint Helena, Empress of Rome, was instrumental in the historical promotion and pilgrimage sites of early Christianity.