Elena

/eh-LEH-nah/

ItalianGirl

Elena is an Italian girl's name pronounced /eh-LEH-nah/. Italian form of Helen, meaning "bright" or "shining light".

Meaning of Elena

Italian form of Helen, meaning "bright" or "shining light".

Elena is the Italian and Spanish form of the Greek name Helene, derived from the word 'helene' meaning 'torch' or 'corposant'. It is historically associated with the Greek 'helios' (sun), signifying 'shining light' or 'the bright one' in classical etymology.

Origin
Italian
Pronunciation
/eh-LEH-nah/

Cultural background

Elena is a perennial favorite in Italy and Spain, consistently ranking among the top names for girls due to its classic elegance. It is also widely used across Eastern Europe and remains a popular choice for bilingual families.

Variations & nicknames

  • Helena
  • Elene
  • Elenka
  • Lena
  • Alena
  • Eleonora

Famous people named Elena

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Elena Ferrante

    Pseudonymous Italian novelist known for the Neapolitan Novels.

    Literature · 1990s-present

  • Elena Delle Donne

    Professional basketball player and two-time WNBA MVP.

    Sport · 2010s-present

  • Elena Gilbert

    Lead protagonist of the popular TV series The Vampire Diaries.

    Film · 2009-2017

  • Elena Kagan

    Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

    Politics · 2010-present

  • Queen Elena of Montenegro

    Queen consort of Italy through her marriage to King Victor Emmanuel III.

    Religion · 1873-1952

Frequently asked about Elena

What does Elena mean?
Elena means 'bright', 'shining light', or 'torch', originating from the Greek name Helene.
How do you pronounce Elena?
In Italian and Spanish, it is pronounced eh-LEH-nah. In English, it is often pronounced eh-LAY-nah or eh-LEE-nah.
Is Elena a boy or girl name?
Elena is traditionally a female name.
Is Elena a common name?
Yes, Elena is a very common name across Europe and the Americas, particularly in Italy, Spain, and Russia.

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