Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Hellen
GirlGreek· “variant of Helen”
- Meaning
- variant of Helen (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- HEH-luhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,800
- US babies 2025
- 112
- Best rank
- #510 (1924)
- Peak year
- 1924
Meaning and origin of Hellen
Hellen is often said to mean “variant of Helen”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek roots.
Hellen is a spelling of Helen, the name of Helen of Troy in Greek myth. Its origin is uncertain; it is often linked to helene, "torch," or to selene, "moon," but neither connection is proven. Saint Helena, mother of the emperor Constantine, helped spread the name in Christian Europe. The double l recalls Hellen, the legendary ancestor of the Greeks, though that name is separate. Said HEH-luhn, Hellen has a timeless, gentle sound, and Nell and Ellie are nicknames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Helen.
Popularity over time
Hellen first appears in US Social Security records in 1883. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 63 different years, starting in 1883. Its best national rank was #510 in 1924, the same year it reached its highest count of 195 babies. In 2025, 112 babies were named Hellen, and it ranked #1,800 nationally. That is 40% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #536 in 1920, #1,167 in 1950, #3,893 in 1980, #3,612 in 2000, #3,332 in 2010, and #1,800 in 2025. Of the 8,353 US girls named Hellen since records began, 20% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1930s come next, with 1,191 babies. Since 2010, 1,347 more have been named Hellen.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Magdalene, Manuela, Novella, Filomena, and Blanch.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Hellen ranked highest in Maryland, California, and Georgia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | #890 | 5 |
| California | #1253 | 20 |
| Georgia | #1435 | 6 |
| Florida | #1474 | 9 |
| Texas | #1491 | 16 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Hellen is usually pronounced HEH-luhn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with H and ends in “-en”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Helen.
Middle names for Hellen
A few middle names that flow with Hellen: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Hellen
Similar names
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Lists that include Hellen
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Hellen mean?
Hellen is often said to mean “variant of Helen”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek roots.
What is the origin of the name Hellen?
Hellen has Greek roots. Hellen is a spelling of Helen, the name of Helen of Troy in Greek myth.
Is Hellen a popular name?
Not especially. Hellen ranked #1,800 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Hellen a boy or girl name?
Hellen is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Hellen?
Hellen 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