​
​
Advanced Search

International Variations of Helen

  1. Yelena

    • Origin:

      Russian variation of Helen

    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining one"

    • Description:

      One of many international versions of this classic.
  2. 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
  3. Eleni

    • Origin:

      Greek variation of Helen

    • Description:

      A common choice in Greece, Eleni is starting to rise in the US too thanks to its bouncy rhythm and cool -i ending. Also familiar in England and Wales, Eleni was chosen for 255 girls in the US in 2024, placing it just outside the Top 1000.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. Lene

    • Description:

      Lene is a feminine name with Scandinavian and Northern European origins, commonly used in Denmark, Norway, and Germany. It typically functions as a short form of names like Helene, Magdalene, or Arlene. Pronounced 'LEH-neh' in Scandinavian countries or 'LAY-nuh' in some Germanic regions, the name has a clean, simple elegance. In Danish, it can relate to 'den lyse' meaning 'the bright one.' Lene gained particular popularity in Scandinavia during the mid-20th century and remains appreciated for its understated charm. The name's brevity and international recognizability make it practical across cultures, while its Scandinavian roots provide a connection to Northern European heritage and the values of simplicity and clarity often associated with Nordic culture.
  12. Alyena

    • Origin:

      Variation of Yelena or Helen

    • Description:

      One of the many international variations of the classic Helen.
  13. Nelya

    • Origin:

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

    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining one"
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. Helli

    • Description:

      Helli is a rare feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a Finnish diminutive of Helena, which derives from Greek meaning 'bright' or 'shining one.' Alternatively, it could be related to the German name Hella, a shortened form of names containing the Germanic element 'heil' meaning 'healthy' or 'whole.' In some cultures, it might be connected to the Norse mythology name Hel. Helli has remained uncommon in most English-speaking countries, giving it an exotic and distinctive quality. Its brevity and melodic sound make it appealing to parents seeking a simple yet uncommon name for their daughters. The name carries a bright, cheerful feeling with its soft consonants and ending vowel sound.

  17. Elen

    • Description:

      Elen is a feminine name with ancient Celtic and Welsh origins, representing a traditional Welsh form of Helen. The name has historical significance in Welsh folklore, notably associated with Elen Luyddog (Elen of the Hosts), a figure from Welsh legend who was said to have built roads across Wales. Simple yet elegant, Elen carries the dignified heritage of its more common counterpart Helen, which derives from Greek elements meaning 'light' or 'bright.' While uncommon in the broader English-speaking world, it maintains steady usage in Wales and among families honoring Welsh heritage. The name's brevity gives it a clean, modern feel despite its ancient roots, offering an accessible Celtic option that's distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or spell.

  18. Helisent

    • Origin:

      English, Germanic

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  19. Ilonka

    • Description:

      Ilonka is a feminine name with Hungarian origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Ilona, which is the Hungarian version of Helen. The root name Helen comes from Greek, meaning "bright, shining one" or "torch." The diminutive suffix "-ka" adds an affectionate, endearing quality in Hungarian naming traditions. Ilonka has been used in Hungary and neighboring countries for generations, though it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries. The name carries a distinct Central European flavor while remaining relatively easy to pronounce for English speakers. It has a rhythmic, musical quality with its three syllables and interesting consonant combination. For parents seeking a name with authentic Hungarian heritage or Eastern European connections, Ilonka offers cultural depth and distinctive character.

  20. Jelena

    • Origin:

      Russian, Serbian, Croatian, Estonian

    • Meaning:

      "light"

    • Description:

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