Helen at a glance
- Meaning
- “torch, light”
- Gender
- Girl
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- HEL-un
- Nicknames
- Nell, Lena
- Other forms
- Helena, Elena, Hélène, Ellen
Where the name Helen comes from
In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy was the most beautiful woman in the world. Her name may come from Greek words for a torch or the moon, but its origin is not certain. It spread in Christian Europe through St Helena, the mother of the Roman emperor Constantine.
Famous people named Helen
- Helen Keller (author)
- Helen Mirren (actress)