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International Variations of Helen

  1. Galina

    • Origin:

      Russian and Slavic feminine form of Galen, Greek

    • Meaning:

      "calm, healer"

    • Description:

      Commonly used in Russia, has an Old World Slavic feel. The original Galen can be used for girls as well as boys.
  2. Alena

    • Origin:

      Variation of Helen

    • Description:

      Alena is a modern variant of Helen. Alena might also be a spelling twist on the Slavic Alina or a long form of Lena.
  3. Helene

    • Origin:

      French variation of Helen

    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining one"

    • Description:

      Whether it's pronounced with an "een" or an "aine" or an "enn" sound at the end, Helene doesn't feel as current the more forthright Helen or the airier Helena. Helene reached a high of Number 228 in the US in 1916, when ene, ine and een names were all the fashion, and stayed in the Top 500 until 1962, making a final exit in 1970. It still ranks well in its native France, and even more in Norway (#70). Model Heidi Klum's daughter 'Leni' has Helene on her birth certificate.
  4. Elianna

    • Origin:

      Variation of Eliana, Hebrew, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "my God has answered; sun"

    • Description:

      Eliana and her spelling variations are multicultural favorites that have been rising across the English-speaking world since the turn of the 21st century. Popular in Netherlands, the UK, Canada, France, and Brazil, Eliana and sisters come with in-built nicknames Ellie, Elle and Ana which makes them versatile and appealing
  5. Olena

    • Origin:

      Ukrainian, Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "torch, shining light; turmeric, yellow, ginger"

    • Description:

      This chic Ukrainian form of Helen is relatively unknown outside of its native country, but it definitely has international appeal. Olia or Olenka are the usual Ukrainian diminutives, but tomboyish Oli or Leni could work too.
  6. Yelena

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Helen

    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining one"

    • Description:

      One of many international versions of this classic.
  7. Ilene

    • Origin:

      Greek variation of Helen

    • Description:

      Ilene might be a phonetic way to spell Aileen or Eileen, though in the end people may have more luck pronouncing the original.
  8. Laina

    • Origin:

      Short form of Elaine, French and Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining light"

    • Description:

      Laina owes is popularity not to mother name Elaine but to the much-more-popular Lainey, a fixture in the US Top 100 and still rising. Laina was used for about 100 baby girls last year.
  9. Ena

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of several names

    • Description:

      Baby names that started off as diminutives -- Ena, Ita, Etta -- seem too insubstantial for a modern female.
  10. Jelena

    • Origin:

      Russian, Serbian, Croatian, Estonian

    • Meaning:

      "light"

    • Description:

      A pretty international form of Helena used in many Slavic languages, also sometimes spelled Yelena.
  11. Lele

    • Description:

      Lele is a charming feminine name with multicultural origins. In Chinese, it means "joy" or "happiness," while in Hawaiian, it can refer to a flying fish or represent a gentle waterfall sound. The name also appears in African languages, particularly in South Africa. Lele has gained popularity as a nickname for names like Lelani or Leila, though it increasingly stands on its own. Its repetitive, melodic quality makes it appealing for parents seeking something short, sweet, and internationally accessible. The name's popularity has increased slightly with the rise of social media, where its playful sound resonates well. Lele projects cheerfulness, simplicity, and a bright spirit.
  12. Ilka

    • Origin:

      Hungarian diminutive of Ilona; variation of Helen

    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining one"

    • Description:

      To some, may have the same warm feeling of Russian nicknames like Sasha and Misha.
  13. Nel

    • Description:

      Nel is a concise, charming feminine name with multiple origins. It can be a diminutive of names like Eleanor, Helen, Penelope, or Cornelia, giving it versatile roots across different cultures. In Welsh traditions, Nel means "shining light," while in Scandinavian contexts, it relates to "champion" or "horn." This short but sweet name has an appealing simplicity that works well internationally. Nel gained some recognition through literary characters and has a vintage charm that appeals to modern parents seeking brief, distinctive names. Its simplicity allows it to pair well with longer surnames and gives it a friendly, approachable quality rarely found in more elaborate names.
  14. Nelya

    • Origin:

      English, diminutive of Helen, Eleanor, et al: "bright, shining one"

    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining one"
  15. Aili

    • Origin:

      Finnish and Sami variation of Helga, diminutive of Aileen, Anglicization of Eilidh

    • Meaning:

      "holy, blessed; bright and shining light"

    • Description:

      An attractive Scandinavian take on Helga, or a potential Helen nickname.
  16. Hélène

    • Origin:

      French

    • Meaning:

      "light"

    • Description:

      French form of Helen
  17. Halina

    • Origin:

      Polish; Belarusian, from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "calm, healer"

    • Description:

      This sweet Polish & Belarusian form of Galina has a serene meaning and comes with the cute nickname Hallie. Very usable internationally even outside of the Slavic countries.
  18. Gayla

    • Description:

      Gayla is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It most likely developed as a feminine form of Gale (meaning "cheerful" or "merry" in Middle English) or as a variant of Gaila, which has Hebrew roots meaning "joy" or "wave." Some also connect it to the Latin "gaillardia" (meaning "lively" or "high-spirited"). Gayla experienced modest popularity in the United States during the 1950s and early 1960s alongside other melodic names ending in 'a'. Though never reaching the top rankings, the name conveys a sense of happiness and vivacity. The name's bright, uplifting meaning and pleasant sound continue to attract parents seeking a relatively uncommon name with positive associations and straightforward pronunciation.
  19. Elenka

    • Description:

      Elenka is a feminine name with Slavic origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Elena or Helen. Popular in countries like Russia, Czech Republic, and Slovakia, it carries the same root meaning as Helen – 'bright one' or 'shining light.' The suffix '-ka' adds an affectionate, endearing quality in Slavic languages. While relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, Elenka offers parents seeking cross-cultural names an option with both Eastern European authenticity and accessibility for Western speakers. The name blends softness with a distinctive quality, allowing for the familiar nickname Ellie while maintaining its unique Slavic character. Its usage has remained steady but modest in Slavic countries while remaining quite rare elsewhere.

  20. Ileana

    • Origin:

      Romanian, from Greek

    • Meaning:

      "torch; shining light"

    • Description:

      A trendy and fashionable-sounding Romanian name with rich history. There was a mythical Romanian princess with the name, and it was also a name used by real-life Romanian royalty.