The nameHelena
Helena is a girl's name of Greek origin, often linked to "torch" or "light". The name of the mother of Constantine, it is a classic.
- Girl's name
- Greek
- Feast day
Meaning
Helena comes from the Greek Helenē, of uncertain meaning, often linked to helanē, "torch".
Origin
Greek. Saint Helena, mother of the emperor Constantine, is said to have found the True Cross in Jerusalem.
History
Helena Bonham Carter is a famous bearer. It reached the top 150 in England and Wales.
Did you know?
- Helena Rubinstein built a cosmetics empire that began with a face cream sold in Australia.
Famous people named Helena
- Saint Helena
- Helena Bonham Carter, actress
- Helena Christensen, model
- Helena Rubinstein, businesswoman
Popularity of the name Helena
Helena in the United States
Helena was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 5,878 births over the decade, 15% of all recorded babies named Helena. Its rise began around 1884, and it peaked in 2024. Half of all babies named Helena in the United States were born before 1976, so it is mostly a parents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 660 births a year.
Helena in the United Kingdom
Helena was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2000s, with 1,791 births over the decade, 34% of all recorded babies named Helena. Half of all babies named Helena in the United Kingdom were born before 2009, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 147 births a year on average, against 185 in the five years before.
Helena in Ireland
Helena in France
Helena in Belgium
Helena in Switzerland
Helena in Austria
Helena in Norway
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Helena
Names from the same generation as Helena, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Helena? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Helena with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Helena side by side with the name of your choice.
Helena in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Helena mean?
Helena comes from the Greek Helenē, of uncertain meaning, often linked to helanē, "torch".
What is the origin of the name Helena?
Greek. Saint Helena, mother of the emperor Constantine, is said to have found the True Cross in Jerusalem.
Is Helena a girl's or a boy's name?
Helena is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Helena?
In 2024, Helena was the 414th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 754 births.
What are the variants of the name Helena?
Variants and related names of Helena include Anna-Lena, Lena and Leyna.
What are good sibling names for Helena?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Maia, Elaine, Phoebe and Mariam for a sister, Lukas, Angelo, Esteban and Kieran for a brother.
Who are famous people named Helena?
Saint Helena; Helena Bonham Carter, actress; Helena Christensen, model; Helena Rubinstein, businesswoman.