International Variations of Helen
- Ilona
Origin:
Hungarian variation of Helen, FinnishMeaning:
"shining torch; light; joy"Description:
This variant of Helen is used across Europe, in France, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, and it's native Hungary. Reminiscent of Elena, Leona, Ilaria, Fiona and Lola, it nevertheless remains a rarity in the US.
- Aili
Origin:
Finnish and Sami variation of Helga, diminutive of Aileen, Anglicization of EilidhMeaning:
"holy, blessed; bright and shining light"Description:
An attractive Scandinavian take on Helga, or a potential Helen nickname.
- Yelena
Origin:
Russian variation of HelenMeaning:
"bright, shining one"Description:
One of many international versions of this classic.
- Galina
Origin:
Russian and Slavic feminine form of Galen, GreekMeaning:
"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.
- Elianna
Origin:
Variation of Eliana, Hebrew, LatinMeaning:
"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
- Alena
Origin:
Variation of HelenDescription:
Alena is a modern variant of Helen. Alena might also be a spelling twist on the Slavic Alina or a long form of Lena.
- Olena
Origin:
Ukrainian, HawaiianMeaning:
"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.
- Ilene
Origin:
Greek variation of HelenDescription:
Ilene might be a phonetic way to spell Aileen or Eileen, though in the end people may have more luck pronouncing the original.
- Ena
Origin:
Diminutive of several namesDescription:
Baby names that started off as diminutives -- Ena, Ita, Etta -- seem too insubstantial for a modern female.
- Jelena
Origin:
Russian, Serbian, Croatian, EstonianMeaning:
"light"Description:
A pretty international form of Helena used in many Slavic languages, also sometimes spelled Yelena.
- Leena
Origin:
Finnish and Estonian diminutive of names ending in -leena or -lenaDescription:
Leena is the form of Lena found in Finland and Estonia. It sits just outside the Top 1000 in the US, where it may be used as a Lena alternative that avoids pronunciation confusion.
- Nelya
Origin:
English, diminutive of Helen, Eleanor, et al: "bright, shining one"Meaning:
"bright, shining one"
- Halina
Origin:
Polish; Belarusian, from GreekMeaning:
"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.
- Alyona
Origin:
Diminutive of Yelena, RussianMeaning:
"bright and shining light"Description:
New name in the pool of international names, added by lovely supermodel Alyona Osmanova.
- Helisent
Origin:
English, GermanicMeaning:
"temple path"Description:
Helisent was used in the medieval days and has royal antecedents found in both France and Germany. Information on its origins is sketchy, but some say it's related to Elise or Helen or Heloise, or that it derives from a Visigothic name meaning "temple path". Variants include Elisende, Elisenda, Elysant, Elysande, Elissent and Elisent.
- Ilka
Origin:
Hungarian, diminutive of Ilona; variation of HelenMeaning:
"bright, shining one"Description:
To some, may have the same warm feeling of Russian nicknames like Sasha and Misha.
- 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.
- Laina
Origin:
Short form of Elaine, French and ScottishMeaning:
"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.
- Elya
Origin:
Slavic form of HelenDescription:
A Slavic variation of Helen that might make an unusual update of that classic name.
- Ileana
Origin:
Romanian, from GreekMeaning:
"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.