Helen
Greek, "torch; shining light"
A classic and elegant name without fuss or frills, Helen is a timeless choice with an uplifting meaning, connected to light and guidance. With the charming nicknames Nell and Leni, it has remained steadily within the US Top 500 over the last decade and is one of those names that has never ranked outside Top 1000.
Nameberry Guest Writer Raelee Olson shares why Helen is such a special choice to her and her family:
“Helen was my mom’s grandma’s name and my dad’s mom’s name and the name of the most beautiful woman in the world (Helen of Troy). We chose it for our daughter in 2010 because it is familiar and easy to spell, but not super common or overused, so they wouldn’t need to be Helen H in school. It’s also accurate because our daughter is a light!”
Nameberry of the Day features our favorite names – but we want to showcase your favorites too! Send us the name you love most to grace@nameberry.com and don’t forget to include the origin, the meaning, a paragraph on why you love it, plus your own name, for the chance to see it featured here in the future.
One of my favourites, I'd genuinely use it for a child. I know two under-5s named Helen, and it's so lovely and surprising on them!
I'm so grateful that you chose to do Helen! My name is Helen and I've always hoped that one day Helen would be the name of the day!!