Elena
Elena is a girl name of Greek / Italian / Spanish origin meaning “Bright, shining light”, pronounced eh-LAY-nuh. It ranked #42 in the United States in 2025, given to 4,836 babies, and peaked at #42 in 2025. Common nicknames: Ellie, Lena, Laney.
How popular is Elena in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Elena mean, and where does it come from?
Elena is the Italian, Spanish, and Slavic form of Helen, derived from the Greek Helene, which is associated with the word "helios" meaning "sun" or "bright light." In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy was considered the most beautiful woman in the world, whose abduction sparked the Trojan War. Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, is credited with finding the True Cross in Jerusalem. The name is widely used across Southern and Eastern Europe, and has gained increasing popularity in English-speaking countries for its melodic, international appeal.
How is Elena used around the world?
Elena is used in 7 languages worldwide, with 32+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Elena?
Famous People Named Elena
- Elena Ferrante — Italian novelist (My Brilliant Friend)
- Elena Kagan — US Supreme Court Justice
- Elena Delle Donne — American basketball player
Similar Names to Elena
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Sibling Name Ideas for Elena
Looking for names that pair well with Elena? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Elena mean?
Elena is a girl name of Greek / Italian / Spanish origin meaning "Bright, shining light." Elena is the Italian, Spanish, and Slavic form of Helen, derived from the Greek Helene, which is associated with the word "helios" meaning "sun" or "bright light." In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy was considered the most beautiful woman in the world, whose abduction sparked the Trojan War.
How do you pronounce Elena?
Elena is pronounced eh-LAY-nuh. Common variations include Helena, Eleni, Yelena.
Is Elena a girl name?
Yes, Elena is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Ellie, Lena, Laney.