Yelena is a feminine given name of Slavic origin, particularly popular in Russia and other Slavic countries. It is derived from the Greek name "Helen," which means "torch" or "corposant." In Greek mythology, Helen was the daughter of Zeus and Leda, and her beauty was legendary. She became known as Helen of Troy after being abducted by Paris, a prince of Troy, which sparked the Trojan War.
The name Yelena is often associated with intelligence, grace, and elegance due to its historical ties with Helen of Troy. It has been used throughout history among royalty and nobility in various European countries, including Russia, Poland, Ukraine, and Bulgaria. In Russian literature, the name Yelena appears prominently, such as in Alexander Pushkin's play "The Miserly Knight" ("Мизантроп") and in Leo Tolstoy's novel "War and Peace."
Yelena is also connected to historical figures like Empress Elizabeth of Russia (1741-1762), whose full name was Yelizaveta Petrovna. She is known for modernizing Russia and promoting arts and culture during her reign.
Today, Yelena remains a popular choice among parents in Slavic countries, offering a rich historical legacy and an elegant sound to the name. It also offers a variety of nickname options, such as Lena or Yulia (Russian), Helenka (Czech), or Yelenia (Polish).
The name Yelena has seen a varied trend of popularity over the years in the United States. In the early 1960s and 1970s, there were relatively few babies named Yelena each year, with numbers ranging from 5 to 7 births annually between 1961 and 1982.
However, starting from the late 1980s, there was a noticeable increase in the number of girls named Yelena. In 1986, there were 14 births, which doubled by 1995 to 27 births. The years between 1996 and 2002 saw a consistent rise in popularity, with numbers ranging from 18 to 29 births annually.
The peak of Yelena's popularity was reached in 2003, with an impressive 66 babies named Yelena born that year. This marked a significant increase compared to previous years and indicates that the name gained considerable traction during this period.
However, after 2003, there was a steady decline in the number of girls named Yelena each year. From 2004 onwards, the numbers decreased gradually, ranging from 48 to 57 births annually until 2009. Between 2010 and 2020, the popularity of the name continued to decrease, with fewer than 50 births reported each year.
Interestingly, there was a notable spike in popularity in recent years, with 62 births in 2021 and an impressive 145 births in 2022. This suggests that Yelena may be experiencing a resurgence in popularity among parents choosing names for their daughters.
In total, over the period from 1961 to 2023 (excluding years with no data), there have been approximately 1,442 babies named Yelena born in the United States. This demonstrates that while the name has seen fluctuations in popularity over time, it remains a unique and recognizable choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their daughters.