Elena: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced EL-uh-nuh · 3 syllables
Elena means “bright, shining light”, from Greek.
Borrowed from Italian and Spanish Elena, cognate to English Helen.
- Meaning
- bright, shining light
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- EL-uh-nuh
- US rank (2025)
- #42
- US babies a year
- about 4,454 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2020
- Style
- Rising, Classic
How popular is Elena?
Elena was the #42 name in the US in 2025, given to 4,842 babies. It’s rising: up 84% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #42 |
| England & Wales | #140 |
| Scotland | #143 |
| Northern Ireland | #149 |
| Ireland | #192 |
| France | #20 |
| Norway | #98 |
| Canada | #44 |
| Australia | #94 |
How old are people named Elena?
Half of US adults named Elena are older than 34; most are between 19 and 73. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Elena
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Elena have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Elena
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Elena
What does the name Elena mean?
Elena means “bright, shining light”. It comes from Greek.
How do you pronounce Elena?
Elena is pronounced EL-uh-nuh.
How popular is the name Elena?
Elena was the #42 name in the US in 2025, given to 4,842 babies. It’s rising: up 84% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
How old are people named Elena?
Half of US adults named Elena are older than 34. Most are between 19 and 73.