Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Eleni
GirlGreek· “Greek form of Helen”
- Meaning
- Greek form of Helen (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- eh-LEH-nee
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,038
- US babies 2025
- 240
- Best rank
- #1,006 (2024)
- Peak year
- 2024
Meaning and origin of Eleni
Eleni is often said to mean “Greek form of Helen”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek roots.
Eleni is the modern Greek form of Helen, one of the most famous names in Greek mythology. Helen of Troy, whose abduction sparked the Trojan War, is the legendary bearer. The origin of Helen is uncertain; it has been linked to the Greek helene, torch, and to selene, moon, but neither connection is proven. Eleni is widely used in Greece and among Greek families abroad. It sounds warm and musical, with three open syllables. Lena and Leni are easy nicknames.
Popularity over time
Eleni first appears in US Social Security records in 1946. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,006 in 2024, the same year it reached its highest count of 255 babies. In 2025, 240 babies were named Eleni, and it ranked #1,038 nationally. That is 79% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #4,053 in 1950, #1,918 in 1980, #1,461 in 2000, #1,724 in 2010, and #1,038 in 2025. Of the 6,822 US girls named Eleni since records began, 21% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 1,319 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Khadija, Maelynn, Lavender, Safa, and Adara.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Eleni ranked highest in Nevada, Massachusetts, and Maryland.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | #451 | 6 |
| Massachusetts | #490 | 11 |
| Maryland | #516 | 10 |
| Pennsylvania | #625 | 16 |
| Utah | #632 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Eleni is usually pronounced eh-LEH-nee, with three syllables. It has five letters, starts with E and ends in “-ni”.
Middle names for Eleni
A few middle names that flow with Eleni: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Eleni
Similar names
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MEH-luh-nee
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ah-ree-AHD-nah
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eh-LAY-nuh
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kuh-SAN-druh
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pur-SEF-uh-nee
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Lists that include Eleni
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Eleni mean?
Eleni is often said to mean “Greek form of Helen”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek roots.
What is the origin of the name Eleni?
Eleni has Greek roots. Eleni is the modern Greek form of Helen, one of the most famous names in Greek mythology.
Is Eleni a popular name?
Not especially. Eleni ranked #1,038 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Eleni a boy or girl name?
Eleni is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Eleni?
Eleni is usually pronounced eh-LEH-nee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings