Helena is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the ancient Greek female name Ἑλένη (Helénē). The name is composed of the elements ἕλ- (hel-) meaning "torch" or "corposant", and -ενή (-enē) which may be associated with the goddess Hera. Therefore, Helena can be translated to mean "torch" or "torch-woman".
The name Helena has been popular throughout history due to its association with prominent historical figures. One of the most notable is Helen of Troy, a queen in Greek mythology whose abduction by Paris sparked the Trojan War. This legend was immortalized by Homer's epic poem "The Iliad", and as a result, the name Helena gained significant prestige.
In addition to its mythological roots, the name Helena has been used throughout history among various cultures. It is the feminine form of the Latin name Helenus, which was borne by several early saints, including Saint Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, who legendarily discovered the True Cross. This further popularized the name among Christians.
Over time, the name Helena has undergone numerous variations and adaptations across different languages and cultures. Some common forms include Elenora in German, Eleanor in English, Aline in French, and Eleanora in Italian. These variants reflect the enduring appeal of the original name, which continues to captivate people today.
In conclusion, the name Helena is a classic choice with a rich history dating back to ancient Greece. Its association with powerful figures like Helen of Troy and Saint Helena has contributed to its enduring popularity across cultures and languages. The meaning "torch" or "torch-woman" lends it an evocative and memorable quality that continues to attract parents seeking a timeless and meaningful name for their daughters.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe several trends regarding the number of births with the name Helena in the United States from 1880 to 2023.
Firstly, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of the name Helena over time. In the late 19th century, around 60-70 babies were named Helena each year. However, by the mid-20th century, this number had grown to approximately 200 births per year. This trend continued into the late 20th and early 21st centuries, with over 500 babies being named Helena annually between 2003 and 2023.
Secondly, there have been fluctuations in popularity over time. For instance, there was a peak in popularity in the mid-1910s, with over 400 births per year from 1914 to 1918. However, this was followed by a decline in popularity during the Great Depression and World War II eras, with fewer than 250 babies named Helena each year between 1930 and 1945.
Another notable trend is the cyclical nature of the name's popularity. There appears to be a cycle of about two decades where the name increases in popularity before decreasing again. For example, the name peaked in popularity around 1916, then decreased until around 1937, only to peak again in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
In conclusion, while there have been fluctuations in popularity over time, Helena has consistently remained a popular girl's name in the United States. With a total of 38,801 babies named Helena between 1880 and 2023, it is clear that this name has enduring appeal for parents across generations.