Names Starting With H
GirlGreek#265 in 2025
Helen
Helen is a girls' name of Greek origin meaning “bright, shining light; torch.” It ranked #265 in the United States in 2025.
pronunciation
HEL-en
meaning & origin
The name Helen means “bright, shining light; torch.” It comes from the Greek language tradition.
From the Greek Helene, likely derived from helios (sun) or selas (light). Helen of Troy — whose abduction sparked the Trojan War — is one of the most famous women of classical antiquity. The name has been in continuous use for millennia.
popularity over time
#3562020
#3302021
#3062022
#2852023
#2652024
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2024 | #265 |
| 2023 | #285 |
| 2022 | #306 |
| 2021 | #330 |
| 2020 | #356 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset
famous people named Helen
- Helen Keller (activist)
- Helen Mirren (actress)
- Helen of Troy (mythological figure)
names similar to Helen
love Helen? get 10 more names curated for your family.
Popularity rankings and meanings are just the starting point. Our AI consultant finds names that match your heritage, style, and what matters most to you.
Completely free. No credit card required.
start free consultation