Helena, a name resonating with history and light, continues to capture the hearts of parents. Let’s explore the popularity and significance of this timeless name. This article delves into the meaning of Helena, its historical trends, and names that share a similar appeal.
Helena Name Popularity
How popular is the name Helena? Historical data offers a glimpse into the name’s fluctuating popularity. According to data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), Helena’s ranking and frequency have varied significantly over the decades.
Here’s a look at the name’s popularity trends:
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 317 | 104 | 0.0295% |
| 1911 | 319 | 107 | 0.0287% |
| 1912 | 318 | 168 | 0.0333% |
| 1913 | 319 | 180 | 0.0317% |
| 1914 | 299 | 270 | 0.0387% |
| 1915 | 289 | 355 | 0.0391% |
| 1916 | 302 | 362 | 0.0375% |
| 1917 | 294 | 397 | 0.0397% |
| 1918 | 285 | 451 | 0.042% |
| 1919 | 302 | 404 | 0.0386% |
| 1920 | 339 | 335 | 0.0301% |
| 1921 | 336 | 342 | 0.0299% |
| 1922 | 353 | 306 | 0.0275% |
| 1923 | 347 | 319 | 0.0285% |
| 1924 | 355 | 330 | 0.0284% |
| 1925 | 372 | 296 | 0.0262% |
| 1926 | 430 | 204 | 0.0185% |
| 1927 | 410 | 235 | 0.0212% |
| 1928 | 408 | 230 | 0.0215% |
| 1929 | 415 | 211 | 0.0204% |
| 1930 | 446 | 179 | 0.0171% |
| 1931 | 418 | 193 | 0.0196% |
| 1932 | 449 | 165 | 0.0167% |
| 1933 | 475 | 137 | 0.0147% |
| 1934 | 470 | 142 | 0.0147% |
| 1935 | 473 | 134 | 0.0138% |
| 1936 | 501 | 123 | 0.0128% |
| 1937 | 475 | 143 | 0.0145% |
| 1938 | 548 | 111 | 0.0108% |
| 1939 | 515 | 124 | 0.0122% |
| 1940 | 505 | 138 | 0.013% |
| 1941 | 511 | 138 | 0.0123% |
| 1942 | 501 | 174 | 0.0138% |
| 1943 | 517 | 162 | 0.0124% |
| 1944 | 544 | 127 | 0.0102% |
| 1945 | 537 | 138 | 0.0113% |
| 1946 | 533 | 170 | 0.0115% |
| 1947 | 573 | 167 | 0.01% |
| 1948 | 572 | 164 | 0.0103% |
| 1949 | 549 | 182 | 0.0113% |
| 1950 | 567 | 170 | 0.0106% |
| 1951 | 552 | 190 | 0.0112% |
| 1952 | 597 | 167 | 0.0096% |
| 1953 | 584 | 177 | 0.01% |
| 1954 | 599 | 181 | 0.0099% |
| 1955 | 652 | 156 | 0.0085% |
| 1956 | 638 | 176 | 0.0093% |
| 1957 | 598 | 217 | 0.0113% |
| 1958 | 645 | 187 | 0.0099% |
| 1959 | 613 | 214 | 0.0113% |
| 1960 | 676 | 176 | 0.0093% |
| 1961 | 675 | 184 | 0.0097% |
| 1962 | 642 | 199 | 0.0108% |
| 1963 | 608 | 224 | 0.0125% |
| 1964 | 563 | 263 | 0.0149% |
| 1965 | 608 | 208 | 0.0127% |
| 1966 | 638 | 178 | 0.0114% |
| 1967 | 693 | 149 | 0.0098% |
| 1968 | 736 | 130 | 0.0087% |
| 1969 | 713 | 149 | 0.0097% |
| 1970 | 758 | 143 | 0.009% |
| 1971 | 757 | 146 | 0.0097% |
| 1972 | 720 | 148 | 0.0109% |
| 1973 | 748 | 135 | 0.0104% |
| 1974 | 714 | 153 | 0.0118% |
| 1975 | 716 | 152 | 0.0118% |
| 1976 | 784 | 130 | 0.0101% |
| 1977 | 760 | 148 | 0.011% |
| 1978 | 721 | 167 | 0.0124% |
| 1979 | 701 | 188 | 0.0133% |
| 1980 | 765 | 160 | 0.0109% |
| 1981 | 741 | 169 | 0.0115% |
| 1982 | 736 | 178 | 0.0119% |
| 1983 | 787 | 147 | 0.01% |
| 1984 | 816 | 139 | 0.0093% |
| 1985 | 909 | 119 | 0.0078% |
| 1986 | 818 | 152 | 0.0101% |
| 1987 | 991 | 105 | 0.0069% |
| 1988 | 930 | 132 | 0.0085% |
| 1989 | 1058 | 111 | 0.0069% |
| 1990 | 957 | 147 | 0.0089% |
| 1991 | 993 | 142 | 0.0087% |
| 1992 | 1014 | 133 | 0.0083% |
| 1993 | 918 | 157 | 0.0101% |
| 1994 | 736 | 237 | 0.0154% |
| 1995 | 648 | 287 | 0.019% |
| 1996 | 651 | 300 | 0.02% |
| 1997 | 698 | 259 | 0.0175% |
| 1998 | 684 | 287 | 0.0192% |
| 1999 | 593 | 370 | 0.0247% |
| 2000 | 660 | 323 | 0.0211% |
| 2001 | 622 | 361 | 0.024% |
| 2002 | 602 | 378 | 0.0252% |
| 2003 | 526 | 496 | 0.0326% |
| 2004 | 551 | 473 | 0.031% |
| 2005 | 547 | 483 | 0.0316% |
| 2006 | 503 | 562 | 0.0359% |
| 2007 | 521 | 560 | 0.0355% |
| 2008 | 619 | 451 | 0.0292% |
| 2009 | 552 | 510 | 0.0341% |
| 2010 | 531 | 503 | 0.0349% |
| 2011 | 581 | 449 | 0.0315% |
| 2012 | 552 | 479 | 0.0336% |
| 2013 | 551 | 475 | 0.0334% |
| 2014 | 493 | 582 | 0.0399% |
| 2015 | 533 | 531 | 0.0365% |
| 2016 | 507 | 556 | 0.0386% |
| 2017 | 500 | 559 | 0.0401% |
| 2018 | 446 | 639 | 0.0465% |
| 2019 | 449 | 624 | 0.0461% |
| 2020 | 506 | 547 | 0.043% |
| 2021 | 513 | 530 | 0.0434% |
| 2022 | 480 | 623 | 0.0472% |
| 2023 | 457 | 635 | 0.0491% |
From the early 20th century, Helena experienced moderate usage. A decline occurred mid-century, but the name has seen a resurgence in recent decades. In 2023, Helena ranked 457 with 635 births, representing 0.0491% of total births. This demonstrates a continued appeal.
Meaning and Origin
Helena has Greek origins, derived from the word "helene," meaning "torch," "bright," or "shining light." This radiant association adds to the name’s charm and enduring appeal. In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy, whose name also stems from "helene," was known for her beauty, further solidifying the name’s connection to radiance and allure.
Names Like Helena
If you’re drawn to Helena, you might also appreciate these similar-sounding or related names:
- Helana: A variant with the same Greek root, meaning "sun ray, shining light."
- Heleena: Another variation that emphasizes the light aspect of the name.
- Helene: A classic French form of the name.
- Helenna: Similar to Helena, offering a slightly different sound.
- Hellena: Yet another beautiful variation sharing the same meaning.
- Celena: Meaning "the moon" (Greek), shares a similar sound and celestial connection.
- Delena: French origin, meaning "from the alder grove," offers a different meaning with a similar sound.
- Selena: A Spanish name meaning "moon," evoking a sense of mystery and beauty.
- Yelena: A Russian variant, also meaning "sun ray, shining light."
Sibling Names
Parents who choose Helena often select these names for their other children:
- Franklin: (Boy) – "Free landholder" (English)
- Otto: (Boy) – "Wealth" (German)
- Theodore: (Boy) – "God’s gift" (Greek)
- George: (Boy) – "Farmer" (Greek)
These names represent a mix of classic and strong choices that complement the elegance of Helena.
In conclusion, Helena is a name rich in history, meaning, and style. Its fluctuating popularity reflects changing trends, but its timeless appeal ensures its continued use for generations to come.