Of Greek origin.
A form of the Greek name “Ελένη”, Helénē.
A cognate of the name Helen.
It is associated with the Greek word for the moon, “σελήνη” – selene- and with Venus, the goddess of love, beauty and desire.
In Greek mythology, Helen was the daughter of Zeus and Leda, Queen of Laconia, also known as “Helen of Sparta”.
Other forms of the name are: Ellen, Helena, Yelena, Ileana, Helene, Lena, Eleni, Elina, Ella.
Elena is a popular name in Greece, Romania, Belgium, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and Spain.
Famous bearers are Elena Sokolova, Elena Kampouris, Elena Delle Donne, Elena Satine, Elena Paparizou, Elena Sofia Ricci, Elena Kong, Elena Ferrante.