Elina

♀ Girl

Pronounced eh-LEE-nah /ɛˈliː.nə/High

Meaning: Bright, shining one or torch of light; a Finnish and Scandinavian form of Helena, from the Greek Helene meaning torch or bright lightHigh

In 30 seconds: Elina is the Finnish and Scandinavian form of Helena meaning bright or shining, a graceful three-syllable name that has spread internationally from Northern Europe, offering a gentler alternative to Elena or Helen.

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighGreek, Scandinavian, Finnish

MeaningBright, shining one or torch of light; a Finnish and Scandinavian form of Helena, from the Greek Helene meaning torch or bright light

U.S. rank (2025)#764 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births355 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 6,191

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Elina is the Finnish and Scandinavian rendering of Helena, ultimately from the Ancient Greek Helene. The Greek name's etymology is debated: the most popular interpretation connects it to helene meaning torch or the verb helein meaning to shine, though some scholars link it to the Greek word for Greece (Hellas). Helena of Troy is the most famous bearer in classical mythology.

In Finland and Estonia, Elina has been a standard given name for centuries, distinguished from the more common Elena by its characteristic Finnic -ina ending. The name gained international popularity in the 20th century, appearing in Scandinavian literature and spreading to English-speaking countries through Nordic influence.

Did you know? In Finland, Elina ranks consistently among the top girls names and has its own nameday on the Finnish calendar (August 18), a cultural tradition in which each name is celebrated on a designated date much like a second birthday.

Overall data confidence 94%

Behind the Name — Elina — Finnish and Greek etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ElenaHelenaElynaAelina

Nicknames

EliLinaEllie

Famous Bearers

★Elīna Garanča (1976–present)
Latvian mezzo-soprano opera singer, one of the leading classical vocalists of her generation.

If you like Elina…

Elena— the closest cognate, same Greek root with slightly different suffix

Eliana— shares the El- opening and flowing three-syllable feminine elegance

Selina— same soft -ina ending and classical feel

Alina— fellow three-syllable -ina name with Northern European roots

Frequently Asked

What does the name Elina mean?

Elina means bright or shining one, as the Finnish form of Helena, from the Greek Helene meaning torch or bright light.

How do you pronounce Elina?

It is said eh-LEE-nah, three syllables with stress on the second.

Is Elina a Scandinavian name?

Yes, Elina is primarily a Finnish and Scandinavian name, where it has been used for centuries as a form of Helena.

Is Elina the same as Elena?

Elina and Elena share the same Greek root but are distinct names; Elina has a Finnish and Scandinavian tradition while Elena is broader.