International Variations of Helen

One of many international versions of this classic.

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

While both Elaine and Elena are on an upward trajectory, Elaina has shifted up and down the charts in recent years, making no big moves in either direction. Steadily used, this blend of the two could make it clearer which pronunciation is preferred.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

Elna is a feminine name with Scandinavian and Germanic roots. It likely developed as a variant of Elena or Helena, ultimately deriving from the Greek word 'helene' meaning 'torch' or 'bright light.' In Nordic countries, particularly Sweden and Norway, Elna has enjoyed modest popularity throughout history. The name carries associations with brightness, clarity, and illumination. While never reaching mainstream popularity in the United States or United Kingdom, Elna has maintained a consistent presence among families with Scandinavian heritage. Its short, two-syllable structure gives it a simple elegance while remaining distinctive in most contemporary settings.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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