Eleni is a beautiful and elegant Greek feminine given name that has been used for centuries in Greece and other parts of the Hellenic world. The name is derived from the Greek word "Ἑλένη" (Helene), which means "torch" or "corposant." According to Greek mythology, Eleni was the daughter of Zeus and Leda, who was abducted by Paris, a Trojan prince. This event sparked the Trojan War, as told in Homer's epic poem, the Iliad.
The name Eleni has been popular among Greeks for generations and is often given to girls born around Easter time. It is also associated with the Orthodox Christian church, as Saint Eleni is venerated on May 3rd. In addition, many Greek families choose this name for their daughters in honor of historical figures named Eleni, such as Eleni Gialou, a heroine of the Greek War of Independence.
Eleni has also gained international popularity in recent years due to its beautiful sound and meaningful origin. It is often chosen by parents who appreciate Greek culture and mythology or those looking for a unique yet approachable name for their daughter. Overall, Eleni is a timeless and elegant name with deep roots in Greek history and culture.
The name Eleni has been popular among parents in the United States since at least the 1940s. From 1946 to 2023, there have been a total of 6,322 births recorded with the name Eleni.
During the early years, the number of births was relatively low, ranging from 5 to 18 per year between 1946 and 1959. However, starting in the 1960s, the popularity of the name began to increase significantly. In 1967, there were 38 births with the name Eleni, marking a significant jump from previous years.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the number of births continued to rise steadily, reaching an all-time high of 214 births in 2023. This trend reflects the ongoing popularity of the name Eleni among American parents over the past few decades.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate that while the popularity of the name Eleni has fluctuated over time, it has consistently been a popular choice for parents in the United States since at least the mid-20th century.