Elena: Name Day, Name Meaning & More

Name days are cultural traditions, especially prevalent in Europe, where individuals celebrate the feast day associated with the saint or historical figure who shares their name. The name Elena, rooted in Greek history and meaning "the bright one," carries a mood of distinguished elegance and global femininity. This classic name maintains high popularity in the United States and internationally. Due to its significant historical usage, Elena has several recognized name days celebrated throughout the year. These dates reflect its deep integration into various national calendars.

Name Day: Dates by Country

Elena's name day is celebrated
on March 2 in Lithuania,
March 16 in Czechia,
May 21 in Bulgaria and Romania,
May 22 in Lithuania,
July 24 in Russia,
July 31 in Finland and Lithuania and
August 18 in Italy, Spain and the USA.

The Story Behind This Name

Elena maintains consistent popularity in the United States, often appearing within the top 150 names for girls throughout the 21st century. Globally, this name is extremely common and highly favored across numerous cultures, especially throughout Southern and Eastern Europe. Its broad appeal is seen in countries speaking Spanish, Italian, Russian, Romanian, and Greek. Historically, Elena is a Latinized variation that gained massive traction during the late Roman Empire and medieval period. Its usage reflects a deep historical pedigree, making it a truly classic choice worldwide.

Name origin and meaning

Elena is derived from the Ancient Greek name Helenē. This name is famously thought to be connected to the Greek word *hēlios*, meaning "sun." Therefore, the core conceptual meaning often translates to "torch," "shining light," or "the bright one." It became widely adopted in Latin cultures as Helena, eventually transforming into the popular modern variant Elena across Slavic and Mediterranean regions. The name represents illumination and clarity.

Name Identity: Gender Classification

Elena is overwhelmingly classified as a feminine given name across nearly all cultures where it is used. There are no notable traditions in major regions, such as Europe or the Americas, that assign this name to males. In countries like Spain, Italy, and Russia, its use is strictly reserved for girls. While theoretical unisex usage might occur in niche modern contexts, globally, Elena remains firmly established as a traditional female name. This strong gender identity ensures clarity and consistency.

The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality

The name Elena evokes a sense of timeless elegance and classic sophistication. Its tone is decidedly romantic, often associated with historical grace and powerful femininity. The sound of the name is smooth and flowing, giving it a soft yet distinctly strong vibe. It suggests a personality that is poised, intelligent, and deeply cultured. Overall, Elena projects a noble and distinguished aesthetic.

The Harmonious Dance of Letters: Elena

Names with a perfect alternation of vowels and consonants create a natural rhythm that is both pleasing to the ear and aesthetically balanced. This structured interplay of sounds gives these names a smooth, flowing character, making them stand out effortlessly. Their symmetry and musicality contribute to their timeless appeal across different languages and cultures.

Mirror Magic: Elena & Anele

Some names hold a hidden surprise—when reversed, they reveal another beautiful and valid name. This playful symmetry adds a unique charm, making the pair feel like secret reflections of each other. Whether by chance or design, these reversible names create a fascinating linguistic connection between two identities.

See also: Anele: Name Day, Name Meaning & More

Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Elena

Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.

Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name

Destiny number: 1 – The Leader.
Keywords: Independence, ambition, innovation, leadership, determination.
Positive Traits: Self-motivated, original thinker, confident, goal-oriented, strong-willed.
Challenges: Can be stubborn, impatient, egotistical, or overly competitive.
Life Path Meaning: A path of leadership, individuality, and pioneering new ideas.

Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights

First name number: 1 - The Leader.
Traits: Independent, ambitious, innovative, self-motivated, determined.
Strengths: Natural-born leader, confident, strong-willed, courageous.
Challenges: Can be stubborn, impatient, or overly self-focused.

The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You

The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Sun - Leadership, Confidence, Vitality.
The Sun represents power, authority, and self-expression. Names influenced by the Sun often belong to individuals who are natural-born leaders, radiating warmth, charisma, and creativity. They tend to have a strong presence, a sense of purpose, and a desire for recognition. Sun-ruled names often evoke images of brightness, strength, and nobility.

Name days: Name Elena

This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.

Country	Month	Day	Name days
Lithuania	March	2	Dautara, Eitautas, Elena, Marcelinas
Czechia	March	16	Elena, Herbert
Bulgaria	May	21	Dicho, Dinko, Dinko, Elena, Elenko, Eli, Elin, Elka, Ilona, Kojcho, Konstantin, Kosta, Kostadin, Kostadina, Kostadinka, Kostadinko, Kuncho, Lenko, Lenko, Stamen, Stanimir, Stanimira, Stanka, Stoian, Stoil, Stoyan, Stoyanka, Trayko
Romania	May	21	Constantin, Elena
Lithuania	May	22	Aldona, Eimantas, Elena, Julija, Rita
Russia	July	24	Elena, Olga
Finland	July	31	Elena, Helena
Lithuania	July	31	Elena, Ignotas, Sanginas, Vykinte
Italy	August	18	Elena
Spain	August	18	Elena
USA	August	18	Aileen, Eileen, Elaina, Elaine, Eleanor, Elena, Eliana, Ella, Elle, Ellen, Ellie, Helen, Helena, Iliana, Lena, Leonora, Nell, Nellie, Nelly

Name days: Similar names (Elena)

Here you’ll find name days for names that are similar in spelling, pronunciation, or origin. Many cultures group related names together, even if they are not identical. If your name has a close variation, you may find relevant name day dates in this section.

Country	Month	Day	Name days
Poland	March	2	Absalon, Franciszek, Halszka, Helena, Henryk, Januaria, Krzysztof, Lew, Michał, Paweł, Piotr, Radosław, Symplicjusz
Poland	April	23	Adalbert, Gerard, Gerarda, Gerhard, Helena, Jerzy, Wojciech
Croatia	May	22	Jagoda, Jelena, Milan, Renata, Rita
Poland	May	22	Emil, Helena, Jan, Julia, Krzesisława, Rita, Wiesław, Wiesława, Wisława
Poland	July	31	Beatus, Demokryt, Emilian, Ernesta, Ernestyna, Helena, Iga, Ignacja, Ignacy, Justyn, Ludomir, Żegota
Sweden	July	31	Elin, Helena
Poland	August	13	Diana, Dianna, Gertruda, Helena, Hipolit, Hipolita, Jan, Kasjan, Radomiła, Wojbor
Austria	August	18	Claudia, Helena, Rainaki
Croatia	August	18	Bl. Manes, Jelena Križarica
Czechia	August	18	Helena
Estonia	August	18	Elina, Heleene, Helen, Helena, Helene, Hell, Hella, Helle, Hellen, Helli, Ilona
Latvia	August	18	Helena, Liene
Poland	August	18	Agapit, Bogusława, Bronisz, Bronisław, Helena, Ilona, Klara, Tworzysława
Slovakia	August	18	Helena
USA	October	21	Celina, Celine, Nobel, Selena, Selina, Ursula, Wanda, Wendall, Wendell, Wendy

Elena A Name of Global Appeal

Elena is a globally cherished name, highly popular in both the USA and across Southern and Eastern Europe, boasting a strong historical pedigree. Derived from Ancient Greek, it carries the symbolic meaning of "shining light" or "sun." Its gender identity is universally female, reflecting a classic and romantic mood of sophisticated elegance. The widespread adoption of Elena across various cultures results in numerous name day celebrations throughout the calendar year. This depth makes Elena a choice rich in history and cultural resonance.

When Is Your Name Day?

Discover your name day quickly and easily with our name day search tool. Simply enter your name in the search box below, and you'll instantly see the exact date of your name day celebration. Find out when to celebrate and never miss a special occasion!

Name: