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Girl

Helena

shining light

Origin

Greek

Used in

plpt

Origin and meaning of Helena

Helena comes from the Greek Helénē, possibly related to helénē 'torch, shining light' or to the root for sun. It's the name of the famous Helen of Troy, whose beauty sparked the war told by Homer. Widespread across Europe, in Portugal it stands as a classic, elegant form, while in Poland it's a traditional name that remains popular, often linked to Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine.

Variants around the world

How Helena sounds in other languages.

ElenaHélèneHelenEllenAlena

Famous people

  • Sant'Elena Imperatrice— empress

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Frequently asked questions

What does the name Helena mean?

The name Helena means shining light.

What is the origin of the name Helena?

Origin of Helena: Greek.

What are the international variants of the name Helena?

International variants of Helena: Elena, Hélène, Helen, Ellen, and Alena.