Helena
/həˈliːnə/noun
A feminine given name of Greek origin, and the name of several historical and literary figures.
Did you know?Helena comes from Greek Ἑλένη (Helénē), a name whose ancient origin is uncertain, but it was early connected by Greek speakers to ἥλιος (hēlios, “sun”) and ἑλένη (helénē, “torch”), giving it a long mystical aura of light and fire.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Ἑλένη (Helénē)
“A female personal name, famously borne by Helen of Troy.”
Classical Greek
Greek
ἥλιος (hēlios)
“Sun; later associated by folk etymology with the name Helena.”
Latin
Latin
Helena
“A borrowed female name used in Roman and later Christian contexts.”
Old French
French
Helene
“A medieval form of the name, spread through Christian Europe.”
Modern English
English
Helena
“A feminine given name and place name.”