Girl
Greek
2 syllables
Helen
HEL-en
/ˈhɛl.ən/
"The shining one" — a name that launched a thousand ships
Helen is one of the oldest and most celebrated names in Western culture, borne by Helen of Troy whose face launched a thousand ships. It derives from the Greek Helene, meaning torch or shining one, and was the most popular girl's name in the US during the 1920s. Though less fashionable today, Helen retains an air of classic, timeless strength associated with remarkable women throughout history.
Quick Facts
Letters5
SyllablesHel · en
GenderGirl
OriginGreek
Root WordHelene
MeaningTorch, shining light
PopularityUncommon
Peak Year1925
Trend
→ Stable
Name DayAugust 18
Nicknames
EllieNellNellyLenaHels
About the Name Helen
Helen means torch or shining light, from the Greek Helene. It is associated with brightness, beauty, and brilliance.
Helen is considered a classic rather than old-fashioned. Like Eleanor and Margaret, it is beginning to see a quiet revival among parents who love vintage names.
Helen of Troy was the legendary queen of Sparta, described in Greek mythology as the most beautiful woman in the world. Her abduction by Paris triggered the Trojan War.
Yes, Saint Helena was the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great. Her feast day is August 18 and she is venerated for her charitable works and pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Helen Grace, Helen Marie, Helen Louise, and Helen Frances are all elegant, timeless combinations.
Helens are often described as intelligent, composed, and quietly strong — a name with centuries of remarkable women behind it.
Personality of Helen
Perceived character traits commonly associated with people named Helen
Creativity
74%
Elegance
85%
Independence
84%
Intelligence
90%
Strength
86%
Warmth
80%
Famous People Named Helen
H
Helen of Troy
Mythological queen of Sparta whose beauty caused the Trojan War
H
Helen Keller
American author and activist, deaf-blind pioneer
H
Helen Mirren
Oscar-winning British actress
Middle Names for Helen
Beautiful combinations that flow well with Helen
Helen Grace
Helen Marie
Helen Louise
Helen Jane
Helen Ann
Helen Rose
Helen Elizabeth
Helen Frances
Helen Clare
Helen Margaret
Names Similar to Helen
Similar Sound
Similar Meaning
Sibling Name Ideas
History of Helen
1200 BC
Helen of Troy depicted in Greek mythology as the most beautiful woman in the world
327 AD
Saint Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, credited with finding the True Cross
1880
Helen ranks as the most popular girl's name in the United States
1903
Helen Keller publishes The Story of My Life, inspiring generations worldwide
Numerology & Symbolism of Helen
8
Destiny Number
Sum of all letters
1
Soul Urge
Sum of vowels
♍
Zodiac Affinity
Gemini
1
Lucky Number
Personal power digit
🎨
Lucky Color
Gold
💎
Lucky Stone
Diamond
🌸
Lucky Flower
White Rose
Helen Around the World
How Helen is written in different languages and scripts
هيلين
Arabic
ヘレン
Japanese
Хелен
Russian
헬렌
Korean
海伦
Chinese
Ελένη
Greek
हेलेन
Hindi
הֶלֶן
Hebrew
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