Elene is a unique and captivating name of Greek origin, derived from the word "Ἑλένη," which means "torch" or "corposant." It is believed to have been coined by the poet Homer in his epic poem, the Iliad, where Elene is the name of Helen, the legendary queen of Sparta who was abducted by Paris, a prince of Troy. This event sparked the Trojan War, one of the most famous conflicts in Greek mythology.
Throughout history, the name Elene has been associated with beauty and elegance, thanks to its namesake Helen of Troy. However, unlike many other names derived from mythological figures, Elene has not gained widespread popularity as a given name. Instead, it remains an unusual yet intriguing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
In the Orthodox Church, St. Elene, also known as St. Helen, is venerated as a saint. She was the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great and played a significant role in the establishment of Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire. Although her name is often spelled "Helen" in English, it is important to note that the Greek form of the name, Elene, is the original and most accurate spelling.
In conclusion, Elene is an enchanting and rare name with a rich historical background and a captivating meaning. Its unique origin and association with powerful figures from mythology and history make it an attractive choice for parents looking to give their child a distinctive and meaningful name.
The given statistics illustrate the number of births with the name Elene in the United States over a span of more than a century, from 1908 to 2023. During this period, there have been a total of 1248 babies named Elene born in the U.S.
Looking at the annual figures, we can observe fluctuations in popularity over time. The name Elene reached its peak in popularity between 1914 and 1923, with more than 25 births each year during this decade. The highest number of births recorded was in 1922, with a total of 38 babies named Elene.
However, the popularity of the name began to decline after the 1920s, with fewer than 20 births per year from 1924 onwards. This trend continued until the mid-1960s, with the number of births ranging between single digits and low teens each year.
Interestingly, there was a brief resurgence in popularity for the name Elene during the late 1970s to early 1980s, with more than 10 births per year recorded from 1972 to 1984. However, this uptick was short-lived, and the number of births decreased once again, with fewer than 10 births per year from 1985 onwards.
In recent years, the name Elene has seen a slight increase in popularity, with more than 10 births recorded in 2007, 2013, and 2022. However, overall, the name remains relatively uncommon compared to other names in the U.S.
These statistics provide valuable insights into the trends and fluctuations in popularity of the name Elene over time in the United States. They demonstrate how cultural tastes and preferences can evolve significantly over decades and centuries.