Elena
/ɛˈleɪ.nə/noun
A feminine given name, usually a form of Helen.
Did you know?Elena ultimately traces back to Greek Helenē, a name linked by ancient scholars to the Greek word for a torch, which is why it’s often associated with radiance and brightness.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Ἑλένη (Helénē)
“A personal name traditionally associated with brightness or a torch”
Classical Greek
Greek
ἑλένη (helénē)
“Possibly connected with a word for torch or moonlight, though the exact origin is uncertain”
Latin
Latin
Helena
“A borrowed feminine name used in Roman and later Christian contexts”
Medieval Romance
Romance
Elena
“A common vernacular form of Helena in several Romance languages”
Modern English
English
Elena
“A feminine given name, especially common in Spanish, Italian, Russian, and English use”