Helena

At a Glance: Name: Helena – Meaning: torch or shining light (Greek Helene, exact etymology uncertain) – Origin: Greek (Latin form of Helen) – Gender: Girl – Pronunciation: HEL-uh-nah

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Helena is a vintage-feeling girl's name of Greek origin, the Latin form of Helen, pronounced HEL-uh-nah. It is linked to the meaning "torch or shining light," though the exact etymology of the Greek Helene is uncertain. It has an old-fashioned charm that still sits comfortably alongside today's names.

Meaning & Origin of Helena

Meaning: Torch or shining light (Greek Helene, exact etymology uncertain).

Origin: Greek (Latin form of Helen).

How to Pronounce Helena

Phonetic: HEL-uh-nah   IPA: /ˈhɛlənə/

Popularity of Helena

Helena peaked at #194 in 1881, when 61 girls were given the name, and it ranked #414 in 2024 with 754 babies. That's a lower position than its peak, but far more girls are named Helena now than in 1881.

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration birth-name data, 1880–2024.

Make Helena Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Helena, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.

Names With a Similar Story

Derived from shared style, era, and origin data (or, for names we have no style data for, a similar Social Security popularity trajectory) — not a hand-picked list.

• Barbara
• Catherine
• Cora
• Delia
• Demetria
• Dorothy

FAQ

What does the name Helena mean?

Torch or shining light (Greek Helene, exact etymology uncertain).

How do you pronounce Helena?

Helena is pronounced HEL-uh-nah (IPA: /ˈhɛlənə/).

Is Helena a popular name right now?

Helena peaked at #194 in 1881 and is ranked #414 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2024.)

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