International Variations of Helen

Makes a serious name frilly and feminine, which, depending on your viewpoint, might be a good or a bad thing. In this case, we vote good.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

Galena is the feminine of the Galen, which means calm. Galena is also a mineral-related name, a type of lead.

Ellin is a feminine name with Welsh and Greek roots. In Welsh tradition, it's a form of Ellen or Helen, meaning 'bright, shining one' or 'torch.' Some linguistic scholars also connect it to the Greek 'Helene,' associated with light and beauty. Ellin has maintained a quiet presence in Welsh-speaking regions and has occasionally appeared in English-speaking countries. Its streamlined, two-syllable structure gives it a contemporary feel while maintaining traditional roots. The name carries associations with brightness, intelligence, and radiance. Ellin offers a less common alternative to the more widespread Ellen or Helen, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth but distinctive character.

French form of Helen

One of the many international variations of the classic Helen.

A Slavic variation of Helen that might make an unusual update of that classic name.

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.