Helen is a name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word "Helene," which means "torch" or "corposant." It is believed to have been coined by Homer in his epic poem "The Iliad," where Helen is featured as the wife of King Menelaus of Sparta. According to legend, Helen was renowned for her unparalleled beauty and was considered the most beautiful woman in the world.
In Greek mythology, Helen played a significant role in triggering the Trojan War. She was abducted by Paris, a prince of Troy, which led to the ten-year siege of the city of Troy by the Greeks. Despite the tragedy that befell her people due to her abduction, Helen remains a powerful symbol of feminine beauty and grace.
The name Helen has been popular throughout history, particularly in English-speaking countries such as England, Scotland, Ireland, and the United States. It reached its peak popularity in the early 20th century but has since experienced a resurgence in recent years. Notable figures bearing this name include Helen of Troy, the legendary character from Greek mythology; Queen Mary II of England, also known as Mary of Modena; and Helen Keller, an American author and lecturer who became deaf and blind at age 19.
In addition to its meaning and historical significance, the name Helen has a timeless elegance that continues to appeal to parents seeking classic yet distinctive names for their daughters. With its roots in ancient Greek mythology and rich history spanning centuries, the name Helen remains a powerful and captivating choice.
The name Helen has seen a wide range of popularity over the years in the United States, as indicated by the annual birth statistics provided.
In the late 19th century, the number of girls named Helen at birth fluctuated annually. Starting from 636 births in 1880, it peaked at 2312 births in 1890 before declining to 5247 births in 1901.
The early 20th century witnessed a significant increase in the popularity of the name Helen. The number of births reached 16133 in 1912, nearly tripling from the previous year's figure. This trend continued until it peaked at 36148 births in 1918.
However, after World War I, the popularity of the name Helen began to decline steadily. By 1923, the number of births had decreased to 31486, and it continued to fall throughout the 1930s, reaching an all-time low of 704 births in 2010.
Over the past decade, there has been a slight increase in the popularity of the name Helen. In 2022, there were 768 births, marking a modest recovery from its recent low point.
In total, over the course of these statistics (from 1880 to 2023), there have been 1,022,786 girls named Helen at birth in the United States.