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GirlRussian#2497rising

Yelena

yeh-LYE-nah

Letters6
Syllables3
OriginRussian

The Story of Yelena

In the cold, dark reaches of Russia, this name was chosen to capture the essence of the morning sun.

Yelena is the Russian iteration of the classic Helen, a name with roots in ancient Greek mythology, meaning 'bright, shining light.' It traveled through Byzantium and into Slavic cultures, becoming a regal and cherished name in Russia. Its journey is one of light overcoming darkness, carried through centuries of oral tradition and literature, finally arriving on your doorstep.

When you imagine your daughter, Yelena, you see a spark. This name, meaning 'bright, shining light,' feels like the warmth of sun on your face on a spring morning. You’ll find yourself saying it aloud, testing the way it rolls off your tongue, a gentle yet luminous sound that fills the room. It’s a name for a child who illuminates the lives of everyone she meets.

What It Means

A Russian form of Helen, meaning 'bright, shining light'.

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Numerology

4

The Builder

Stable, disciplined, and hardworking. Names at 4 convey groundedness and reliability.

Famous Namesakes

  • Yelena Isinbayeva

    Russian pole vaulter and Olympic gold medalist

  • Yelena Bonner

    Soviet human rights activist

Personality Traits

BrightIntelligentKindCharming

Spelling Variations

Peak Year

#145 in 2022

Total Births

1,514

First Recorded

1961

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