- Meaning
- Shining light
- Origin
- Greek
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity
- US top 100
- Style
- Classic, Sophisticated
- Used in
- Spanish, Italian, Slavic, English-speaking countries
Nicknames for Elena
What friends, grandparents and the playground will call them, depending on where they grow up.
- Spanish
- Ele, Nena
- Italian
- Ele
- Russian and Slavic
- Lena, Alyona
What people expect from a Elena
Elena is built from soft sounds. Studies of name sounds find people expect someone with a soft name to be warm, agreeable and calm.
The meaning is about light. A name can't give a child light, but it's a nice thing to explain to them one day.
A good fit if you hope for: a brilliant mind, a creative soul, the star of the room, a calm peacemaker.
Names set expectations, not personalities. What the research says.
Elena: name scorecard
Save your future kid some trouble: give them a name they can live and grow with.
Great choice
Elena · nickname: El
- International readabilityReads well across languages, already used in 4 language areas.
- Easy to say and spellSays itself: 3 syllables, spelt how it sounds.
- Not too common, not too strangePopular. Familiar and safe, a bit less personal.
- Playground-proofNo obvious rude words or rhymes. Kids are creative, though.
- Won't get you sued (or refused)Nothing a registrar would object to in most countries.
- A meaning to be proud ofMeans "Shining light".
Names with a similar meaning
More Greek names
Iceland has a Naming Committee. A new name must fit Icelandic grammar and spelling, or it's refused.
Icelandic Personal Names ActQuestions about Elena
What does the name Elena mean?
Elena is a girl's name of Greek origin meaning "Shining light".
Is Elena a boy or girl name?
Elena is usually a girl's name.
How popular is the name Elena?
Elena is in the US top 100. It is used in Spanish, Italian, Slavic, English-speaking countries.
What are nicknames for Elena?
Common nicknames for Elena are Ele, Nena, Lena and Alyona.
Fun, but true. Name meanings come from common etymologies, which sometimes disagree. Height and weight paths are estimates from population growth data and published studies, not a medical assessment. If you're worried about your child's growth, talk to your paediatrician. Full disclaimer