A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Helena since 1880
Babies named Helena per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2025, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Helena's real moment was 1884.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 775 |
| 1890s | 1,147 |
| 1900s | 1,197 |
| 1910s | 3,339 |
| 1920s | 3,307 |
| 1930s | 2,035 |
| 1940s | 2,066 |
| 1950s | 2,273 |
| 1960s | 2,342 |
| 1970s | 2,018 |
| 1980s | 2,014 |
| 1990s | 2,859 |
| 2000s | 5,013 |
| 2010s | 5,882 |
| 2020s | 4,145 |
Meaning & origin
Helena is a classic Greek name that has maintained steady usage in the United States since records began in 1880, when it first appeared. It peaked in popularity in 1884 and, after a period of decline, has been on the rise again since 1988, reflecting a broader revival of vintage names. Currently ranking #363 (2025), it is given to about 1 in 1,911 baby girls. The name has strong historical roots, from the mythological Helen of Troy to Saint Helena, mother of Constantine. It has been especially favored in states like Massachusetts, Maine, and Florida, indicating a regional preference in New England and the South. With its elegant sound and rich heritage, Helena appeals to parents seeking a name with depth and a touch of antiquity.
Helena is the Latin form of the Greek name Helene, which is of uncertain etymology but traditionally linked to helene 'torch' or selene 'moon'. In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy was the daughter of Zeus and Leda. The name was borne by Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, who popularized it across the Christian world. It has been in consistent use in English-speaking countries since the 19th century.
Where Helena is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Helena” around the world
Where Helena lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
250
babies in 2024
Ireland
28
babies in 2025
Quebec
45
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lena, Nellie, Nell, Nena
Sibling names for Helena
Names that share Helena's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Catherine, Margaret, Clara, Sophia, Victoria, Diana, Dorothea, Rosalind, Janina, Rosana, Venetia, Agata, Andrena, Aniela, Celinda, Galena, Luiza, Marketta, Petronella, Rovena, Stephana, Athenia, Gabrielly, Ilka, Irena, Matylda
Brothers: Alexander, Nicholas, Julian, Henry, George, Anders, Casimir, Constantine, Ignatius, Ulisses, Antonie, Aquiles, Henryk, Marcio, Mateus, Orlanda, Spiro, Stanislaus, Sylvanus, Tadeusz, Alexios, Apolo, Aristides, Bronislaus, Casmer, Casmir, Corneilus, Filip, Heitor, Ladislaus, Theodus, Donat, Feliks, Franciszek, Vitor, Zygmund
Names like Helena
Names whose popularity has moved with Helena's over the last 50 years.
