Helen

Helen is an English short form of the Greek name Helena or Helene.

What does the name Helen mean?

The name Helen comes from the Greek term Helena and translates into English as "the Shining", "the Radiant", "the Sun-like", "the Luminous", "the Beautiful", "the Torch", "the Sun's warmth", "the Torch's glow" or simply "the Moon". The roots of the name lie in Ancient Greek and refer to the three possible name components helénē (ἑλένη) for "the Torch", "the Light" and "the Glow", hēlios (ἥλιος) for "the Sun", "the Sunlight" and "the Sunrays" or selēnē (σελήνη) for "the Moon". Other variants include Heleni, Helenia, Hellen, Hellena, Helenka, Elen, Elena, Elina, Ellen, Ellena, Ellina, Hellina, Heleen, and Heleene. In Greek mythology, Helena is the daughter of Zeus and Leda and is considered the most beautiful woman in the world. Additionally, the name may have a connection to Helios, the sun god of the Greeks. A well-known bearer of the name is the American actress Helen Hunt.

Where does the name Helen come from?

The name Helen has Ancient Greek origins and means "the Radiant" or "the Shining". It is composed of the Ancient Greek words helénē (ἑλένη), which means "the Torch", "the Light" or "the Glow", hēlios (ἥλιος), which denotes "the Sun", "the Sunlight" or "the Sunrays", as well as selēnē (σελήνη), which means "the Moon". The language of the name is English.

How do you pronounce Helen?

The pronunciation of the name Helen is two syllables and soft. In German, it is typically pronounced as "He-len" [ˈheːlɛn], starting with a long E sound that conveys brightness and clarity. The soft l harmoniously connects the two syllables, while the final n creates a calm conclusion. Helen embodies a classic and elegant character – a name with clear structure and timeless appeal.

When is the name day of Helen?

The name days for Helen are April 26, May 21, August 18, October 29, and November 15.

Popularity

In Germany, Helen is a very popular first name. Currently, it ranks 246th on the list of the most common female first names. Its best position was in 1983 at 134th place. In the last ten years, the first name Helen has been given about 2,700 times, placing it 243rd in the ten-year statistics. Between 2010 and 2024, it ranks 219th. Worldwide, a similar popularity is observed.

Nicknames & pet names

Belen / El / Hala / Hecca / Hehe / Hel / Hela / Helana / Helena / Helenchen / Helene / Heleni / Heli / Hell / Helli / Helln / Helly / Hellybelly / Heln / Helsi / Helunae / Helwn / Heslen / Holly / Len / Lenchen / Lene / Leni / Leni Popeni / LenLen / Lenny / Nele / Nelly

Similar first names

Famous people

• Helen Atkinson-Wood (actress from England)
• Helen Benedict (British author)
• Helen Berggruen (artist from the USA)
• Helen Beverley (actress from the USA)
• Helen Blackthorn (character from the novel 'Chronicles of the Underworld')
• Helen Caldwell (author from France)
• Helen Conrad (American author)
• Helen Donis Keller (geneticist from America)
• Helen Farr Sloan (artist from America)
• Helen Fielding (English author)
• Helen French (American architect)
• Helen Hamilton (fictional character from 'Gods Behaving Badly' by Josephine Angelini)
• Helen Hanft (actress from America)
• Helen Hardin (artist from America)
• Helen Hellwig (tennis player from the USA)
• Helen Holland (model, millionaire heiress)
• Helen Hooven Santmyer (author from the USA)
• Helen Hunt (actress)
• Helen Josephine Kelly (singer, musician)
• Helen Keller (author)