Girl name · Greek
Elena
“bright, shining light”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Elena.
Explore Elena further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Elena — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Elena is the Italian, Spanish and Russian form of Helen, from Greek helene — most plausibly connected to the root for torch or bright light, though the etymology has been argued over for as long as there has been philology.
It travels better than almost any name in Europe: identical spelling in Italian, Spanish, Romanian and Russian, with only the stress moving. In the US it sits at number 42 and has never had a fashionable spike, only a long steady rise.
Lena and Nell are both full names elsewhere. Three syllables want one or two (Elena Rose, Elena Frances). On our vibe map it is Vintage Elegant with Soft & Dreamy warmth.
More Greek names
Elena sits in our Greek set — these share its roots.
All Greek names →Elena — common questions
Is Elena a boy or girl name?
Elena is traditionally a girl name of Greek origin.
What does the name Elena mean?
Elena means “bright, shining light” of Greek origin. Elena is the Italian, Spanish and Russian form of Helen, from Greek helene — most plausibly connected to the root for torch or bright light, though the etymology has been argued over for as long as there has been philology.
Where does the name Elena come from?
Elena is Greek in origin. It travels better than almost any name in Europe: identical spelling in Italian, Spanish, Romanian and Russian, with only the stress moving. In the US it sits at number 42 and has never had a fashionable spike, only a long steady rise.
What are common nicknames for Elena?
Ellie, Lena, and Nell — the short-forms parents most often use for Elena.
How popular is Elena?
Elena did not make the top 1,000 girls' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Elena you might want for the nursery.