
Helen is an English girl’s name that comes from the Greek name Helene. The name means “bright, shining light” or “moon”. Helen was popular at the beginning of the 20th century. Helen is an alternative to related names Helena and Ellen.
Meaning of the name Helen:
English: bright, shining light, torch, moon
Origin of the name Helen:
Helen is an English girl’s name that comes from the Greek name Helene which is derived from either the term “helene” which means “torch, bright, shining light” or “selene” which means “moon”.
Symbolism of the name Helen:
Whether a torch or moonlight, Helen is a bright name associated with light. She is a bright spot in the dark and a guiding star to those around her.

Style of the name Helen:
traditional
Gender of the name Helen:
Helen is a girl's name.
Pronunciation of the name Helen:
HEHL-ən (English)
Number of syllables in the name Helen:
two
Emotion evoked from the name Helen:
Helen evokes feelings of peace and love.
Alternative spellings for the name Helen:
Hellen, Helan, Helyn
Nicknames for the name Helen:
Popularity of the name Helen:
According to the Social Security Administration, Helen has remained a popular girl’s name since 1900. Helen was in the top 100 names from 1900 to 1957. It has slowly dropped in popularity since then and is #424 as of 2020.
Related names for the name Helen:
Great middle names for the name Helen and their meanings:
- Irene (peace)
- Isolde (ice ruler)
- Aurelia (golden one)
- Cassia (cinnamon)
- Azalea (flower)
- Lilith (ghost)
- Luna (moon)
Famous people with the name Helen:
- Helen Keller (American deaf/blind activist)
- Helen Mirren (British actress)
- Helen Augusta Blanchard (American inventor)
- Helen Hayes (American actress)
- Helen Hunt (American actress)
Helen in popular culture:
- Helen of Troy (Greek mythological figure)
- Helen Burns (literature, “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte)
- Helen Ferguson (literature, “A Farewell to Arms” by Ernest Hemingway)
- Helen Morgendorffer (television, “Daria”)
- Helen Harris (film “Bridesmaids”)