Eleni

♀ Girl

Eleni Pronunciation

Eleni is pronounced eh-LEH-nee /ɛˈlɛ.ni/High

Meaning: Bright, shining; modern Greek form of Helen, from Greek helene, possibly related to helios (sun) or selas (light, brightness)High

In 30 seconds: The modern Greek form of Helen, meaning 'bright' or 'shining.' Used in Greece for millennia, it carries the full weight of Helen of Troy while feeling fresh and melodic to English ears.

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Origin HighGreek

MeaningBright, shining; modern Greek form of Helen, from Greek helene, possibly related to helios (sun) or selas (light, brightness)

U.S. rank (2024)#1003 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births255 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 6,579

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Eleni is the modern Greek form of the ancient name Helene (Helen), whose etymology points to the Greek helene, possibly related to helios (sun) or selas (brightness, light). The name is famous from Greek mythology as the name of the most beautiful woman in the world, whose abduction sparked the Trojan War.

Eleni is the most common feminine name in Greece. In the United States it appears in Greek American communities and has gained broader use since the 2010s as parents seek names with ancient depth and musical vowel endings. It ranked #1003 for girls in 2024.

Did you know? Eleni is the most popular girls' name in Greece, where it is the modern form of the ancient Helene — keeping alive a name that has been beloved in that country for over 3,000 years.

Overall data confidence 87%

Behind the Name — Eleni — Greek etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ElenaHelenHeleniElene

Nicknames

LeniEllieEle

Themes & Styles

Greek Three-syllable Mythology Classical Helen-family

Famous Bearers

★Helen of Troy (mythological)
Legendary Spartan queen of Greek mythology whose abduction by Paris sparked the Trojan War; called 'the face that launched a thousand ships.'

If you like Eleni…

Elena— the Spanish/Italian form of the same Greek root, equally musical

Helen— the standard English form from which Eleni derives

Helena— the full Latinate form of the same name

Eleanor— the Provencal/French form of Helen with the same ancient root

Iliana— Greek/Slavic variant of the same Helen root

→ See all names like Eleni

Browse the whole category: All Greek names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Eleni?

Eleni is pronounced eh-LEH-nee (/ɛˈlɛ.ni/). Press play above to hear Eleni said aloud.

How do you say Eleni?

Eleni is said eh-LEH-nee (/ɛˈlɛ.ni/). Press play above to hear Eleni said aloud.

What does the name Eleni mean?

Eleni means 'bright' or 'shining,' as the modern Greek form of Helen (Helene), possibly related to helios (sun) or selas (light).

Is Eleni a boy or girl name?

Eleni is used as a girls' name.

How popular is Eleni?

Eleni ranked #1003 for U.S. girls in 2024.