Helena
Meaning of Helena
The name Helena is a timeless and elegant choice for baby girls, with rich historical and cultural roots. Originating from the Greek name Helene, which means "torch" or "light," Helena has been associated with beauty and radiance throughout history. The name gained prominence through Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, who is credited with finding the True Cross. Pronounced heh-LAY-nuh in English and eh-LEH-nah in both Spanish and Italian, Helena offers a versatile charm that transcends languages. A popular variation of the name is Elena. In the United States, Helena has enjoyed steady popularity over the years, consistently ranking within the top 1000 names for newborn girls since records began in 1880. Its classic appeal and association with light make it an enduring favorite among parents seeking a name that combines grace and strength.
Pronunciation
Spanish
- Pronunced as eh-LEH-nah (/eˈlena/)
Italian
- Pronunced as eh-LEH-nah (/eˈlɛna/)
English
- Pronunced as heh-LAY-nuh (/həˈleɪnə/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Helena
| Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, also known as Madame Blavatsky, was a Russian and American mystic and author who co-founded the Theosophical Society and became a leading figure in Theosophy. |
| Helena Bonham Carter is an acclaimed English actress known for her diverse roles in both blockbusters and independent films, particularly in period dramas, and has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career. |
| Helena Modrzejewska, also known as Helena Modjeska, was a renowned Polish actress celebrated for her mastery of Shakespearean and tragic roles, and is considered the greatest actress in the history of Polish theatre. |
| Helena Rubinstein was a Polish-American businesswoman and cosmetics entrepreneur who founded Helena Rubinstein Incorporated and became one of the world's wealthiest women. |
| Helena Christensen is a Danish model, photographer, former Victoria's Secret Angel, clothing designer, beauty queen, co-founder and original creative director for Nylon magazine, and a supporter of breast cancer organizations and other philanthropic charities. |
| Helena Gualinga - Sumak Helena Sirén Gualinga is an Ecuadorian environmental and human rights activist from the Kichwa Sarayaku community in Pastaza, Ecuador. |
| Helena van der Kraan-Maazel, also known as Helena Jirina Mazl, was a Czechoslovakian-born Dutch photographer and part of the artist duo Axel en Helena van der Kraan. |
| Helena Louise Morrissey, Baroness Morrissey, is a prominent British financier and advocate. |
| Helena Palaiologina, also known as Helena Hatun, was the daughter of Demetrios Palaiologos and was taken into the harem of Sultan Mehmed II after his conquest of Morea in 1460. |
| Helena Gasson is a New Zealand Olympic swimmer who has represented her country at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and has competed internationally in various prestigious swimming events. |
| Helena Palaiologina, Despotess of Serbia - Helena Palaiologina, a Byzantine princess, married Serbian Despot Lazar Branković and later fled to the Greek island of Leukas after the Ottoman Turks conquered Serbia. |
| Helena Tattermuschová is a renowned Czech lyric coloratura soprano, celebrated for her portrayal of character roles in the operas of Mozart and Janáček. |
| Helena Benitez - Helena Zoila Tirona Benitez was a prominent Filipina academic and administrator known for her contributions to the Philippine Women's University. |
| Helena Wells, later Whitford (1761?–1824), was a prominent American novelist and writer in the late 18th century. |
| Helena Hauff is a German DJ and record producer known for her stripped-down techno and electro tracks, recorded using analog equipment and drawing influences from acid house, EBM, and industrial music. |
