Elen

♀ Girl

Pronounced EL-en /ˈɛl.ən/High

Meaning: The Welsh form of Helen — from the Greek, 'a bright, shining light; a torch'; also linked to a legendary Welsh saint; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A bright, shining light: Elen is the Welsh form of Helen. Crisp, classic, and warm.

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Origin LowWelsh, Greek

MeaningThe Welsh form of Helen — from the Greek, 'a bright, shining light; a torch'; also linked to a legendary Welsh saint; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#11208 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births8 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 409

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Elen is the Welsh form of Helen — from the Greek, 'a bright, shining light; a torch'; also linked to a legendary Welsh saint (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, classic name (said 'EL-en').

In the U.S. it appears in Welsh families. Rare, a-bright-shining-light at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Elen is the Welsh form of Helen — Greek 'a bright, shining light' (also a legendary Welsh saint) — a crisp, classic name (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'EL-en').

Overall data confidence 34%

References — Elen — Welsh form of Helen; routes layered

Variations

HelenEllenElin

Nicknames

Ellie

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Elen…

Helen— the source name

Ellen— a kin form

Elin— a fellow Scandinavian form

Eleni— a sound-neighbor Greek form

Explore names like Elen

By themeuncertain greek welsh

By meaningLight

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Elen mean?

Elen is the Welsh form of Helen — Greek 'a bright, shining light'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Elen?

It's said EL-en /l.n/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Elen a boy or girl name?

Elen is a girl's name.

How popular is Elen?

Elen is a very rare name in the U.S.