Elena Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Elena is a name of Greek origin, derived from 'Helenē,' meaning 'light' or 'shining one.' It evolved through various languages and remains popular in many cultures today. The name is associated with positive traits such as beauty and grace. It does not have direct biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Elena"
Pronunciation
/əˈleɪnə/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Elena is derived from the Greek name 'Helenē' (Ἑλένη), which is believed to be related to the Greek word 'helene,' meaning 'torch' or 'light.'
Meaning
Light, bright, shining one
Language Evolution
Helenē (Greek), Elena (Italian, Spanish), Helen (English), Elena (Russian, Bulgarian)
Historical Usage
The name Elena gained popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly in European countries, and has remained a common name throughout the centuries.
Variants & Derivatives
Helena, Elena, Alena, Elaine
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Elena is perceived as a classic and elegant name, often associated with beauty and grace, and is popular in various cultures.
Famous People
Elena Ferrante (Italian author), Elena Kagan (U.S. Supreme Court Justice), Elena Gilbert (fictional character from 'The Vampire Diaries')
📊 Elena Name Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Elena Name Visualizations
✨ Elena Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 4,567 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in New Mexico
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Elena" - Complete Guide (7 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Elena". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 7 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Elena" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Elena"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Elena"
"Elena" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 6350th of 6773 | 7 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 8639th of 10718 | 13 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 7890th of 16616 | 60 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 19331st of 24088 | 13 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 23106th of 23106 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 496th of 9107 | 3,393 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 519th of 9204 | 3,304 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 485th of 12526 | 6,740 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 410th of 19264 | 8,414 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 354th of 27321 | 11,590 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 206th of 35406 | 25,375 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 71st of 30306 | 44,036 |
Regional Popularity of "Elena" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
62.75% 3259th/5194 |
63.94% 4039th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Elena" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
76.62% 1085th/1416 |
22.84% 315th/1379 |
23.08% 546th/2366 |
24.08% 275th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
55.89% 864th/1546 |
24.61% 383rd/1556 |
21.25% 500th/2353 |
20.88% 323rd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
32.15% 716th/2227 |
14.44% 351st/2430 |
20.96% 598th/2853 |
13.66% 379th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
18.93% 556th/2937 |
9.53% 332nd/3483 |
16.00% 563rd/3518 |
7.47% 302nd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
11.97% 441st/3685 |
6.88% 308th/4475 |
9.16% 476th/5194 |
4.12% 260th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
4.65% 213th/4582 |
3.87% 200th/5164 |
3.42% 250th/7313 |
2.32% 173rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
2.11% 84th/3984 |
1.87% 84th/4487 |
1.06% 72nd/6822 |
0.76% 48th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Elena"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Elena" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Elena" in the United States
The name Elena is most popular in New Mexico, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been consistently rising. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Elena has been too falling for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too falling for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, too falling for female in West. Across generations, 'Elena' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 6350th out of 6773 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 8639th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 7890th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 19331st out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 23106th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 496th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 519th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 485th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 410th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 354th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 206th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 71st out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Elena' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.