A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Helene since 1880
Babies named Helene per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 282 |
| 1890s | 807 |
| 1900s | 1,367 |
| 1910s | 5,363 |
| 1920s | 5,519 |
| 1930s | 4,404 |
| 1940s | 4,933 |
| 1950s | 4,739 |
| 1960s | 2,896 |
| 1970s | 973 |
| 1980s | 565 |
| 1990s | 464 |
| 2000s | 472 |
| 2010s | 340 |
| 2020s | 210 |
Meaning & origin
Helene was most popular in the United States in the early 20th century, peaking at rank 3577 in 1914 with an estimated 1 in 38268 girls receiving the name that year. After a long decline, it has been slowly rising again since 2018, particularly favored in California. Helene is the French and German version of Helen, derived from the Greek word meaning "torch" or "light." It has a classic, sophisticated feel and has been borne by saints, royalty, and notable figures throughout European history.
Helene is the French and German form of Helen, which derives from the Greek Helene, possibly from the word helene meaning "torch" or "light." In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy was the daughter of Zeus and Leda, whose abduction sparked the Trojan War. The name has been used widely across Europe for centuries, particularly in France, Germany, and Scandinavia.
Where Helene 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.
“Helene” around the world
Where Helene lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
125
babies in 2024
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lena, Nell, Nellie
Sibling names for Helene
Names that share Helene's style, for a brother or sister.
