Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Helen
GirlGreek· “uncertain; often linked to 'torch' or 'light'”
- Meaning
- uncertain; often linked to 'torch' or 'light' (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- HEH-luhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #462
- US babies 2025
- 668
- Best rank
- #2 (1900)
- Peak year
- 1918
Meaning and origin of Helen
Helen is often said to mean “uncertain; often linked to 'torch' or 'light'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek roots.
Helen comes from the Greek Helene, a name whose origin is uncertain. It is often connected with words for torch or bright light, or with Selene, the moon, but none of these links is proven. In Greek myth Helen of Troy was famed for her beauty, and her abduction sparked the Trojan War in Homer's epics. Saint Helena, mother of the emperor Constantine, carried the name into the Christian world, and many European queens and princesses followed. Helen feels classic and quietly strong, with relatives such as Elena, Ellen and Eleanor.
Other spellings with the same sound: Hellen.
Popularity over time
Helen has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #2 in 1900, and the most babies received it in 1918, when 36,148 were named Helen. In 2025, 668 babies were named Helen, and it ranked #462 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #3 in 1920, #50 in 1950, #272 in 1980, #345 in 2000, #436 in 2010, and #462 in 2025. Of the 1,024,202 US girls named Helen since records began, 28% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 248,154 babies. Since 2010, 11,932 more have been named Helen.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Frances and Anna.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Helen ranked highest in District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | #80 | 9 |
| Virginia | #205 | 40 |
| Maryland | #260 | 20 |
| South Carolina | #281 | 18 |
| Kansas | #299 | 11 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Helen is usually pronounced HEH-luhn, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with H and ends in “-en”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Hellen.
Middle names for Helen
A few middle names that flow with Helen: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Helen
Similar names
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Lists that include Helen
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Helen mean?
Helen is often said to mean “uncertain; often linked to 'torch' or 'light'”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek roots.
What is the origin of the name Helen?
Helen has Greek roots. Helen comes from the Greek Helene, a name whose origin is uncertain.
Is Helen a popular name?
Yes. Helen ranked #462 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Helen a boy or girl name?
Helen is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Helen?
Helen is usually pronounced HEH-luhn. 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