Helen is a name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word "Helene," which means "torch" or "corposant." It is believed to have been coined by Homer in his epic poem "The Iliad," where Helen is featured as the wife of King Menelaus of Sparta. According to legend, Helen was renowned for her unparalleled beauty and was considered the most beautiful woman in the world.
In Greek mythology, Helen played a significant role in triggering the Trojan War. She was abducted by Paris, a prince of Troy, which led to the ten-year siege of the city of Troy by the Greeks. Despite the tragedy that befell her people due to her abduction, Helen remains a powerful symbol of feminine beauty and grace.
The name Helen has been popular throughout history, particularly in English-speaking countries such as England, Scotland, Ireland, and the United States. It reached its peak popularity in the early 20th century but has since experienced a resurgence in recent years. Notable figures bearing this name include Helen of Troy, the legendary character from Greek mythology; Queen Mary II of England, also known as Mary of Modena; and Helen Keller, an American author and lecturer who became deaf and blind at age 19.
In addition to its meaning and historical significance, the name Helen has a timeless elegance that continues to appeal to parents seeking classic yet distinctive names for their daughters. With its roots in ancient Greek mythology and rich history spanning centuries, the name Helen remains a powerful and captivating choice.
The statistics show a fluctuating trend in the number of births named Helen over time. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Helen, peaking at 32,661 births in 1916 during World War I. However, this trend did not continue throughout the century. The popularity of the name began to decline in the 1940s and continued to do so until the late 1970s when it reached a low point with only 858 births in 1984.
After that period, there was some variation in the number of newborn girls named Helen. The highest point since the mid-20th century was reached in 2005 with 960 births. Recently, however, the name has been less popular again, with only 768 births in 2023. In total, over the period from 1880 to 2023, there were 1,022,786 babies named Helen.