Ilenе is a unique and distinctive name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "Helen," which means "torch" or "corposant." In Greek mythology, Helen was the daughter of Zeus and Leda, and she was renowned for her exceptional beauty. She was known as "Helen of Troy" because her abduction by Paris triggered the Trojan War.
The name Ilene is a variant spelling of Helen and has been used since the mid-20th century. It is less common than Helen but still carries the same historical significance and meaning. People named Ilene often have a strong connection to their heritage, as the name evokes images of ancient Greece and its rich mythology.
Throughout history, many notable figures have carried the name Ilene or its variations. Some examples include Ilene Berg, an American actress known for her role in the sitcom "The Golden Girls," and Helen Mirren, the renowned British actress whose full name is actually Dame Ilyena Lydia Mironoff, but she goes by the stage name Helen Mirren.
In literature, the name Ilene has also been used as a character's name in various works. For instance, in Stephen King's novel "The Tommyknockers," one of the main characters is named Ilene. This further solidifies the name's presence in popular culture and its significance throughout history.
Overall, the name Ilene is a unique and powerful choice with a rich historical background rooted in Greek mythology. It signifies strength, beauty, and a connection to ancient Greek heritage. Despite being less common than Helen, it remains a compelling option for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child that carries deep historical meaning.
The name Ilene has been present in the United States for over a century, with its popularity fluctuating throughout the years as reflected in the birth statistics provided.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of births with the name Ilene was quite low. Between 1891 and 1903, there were fewer than 15 births per year on average. However, beginning around 1904, the popularity of the name started to increase steadily.
From 1904 to 1923, the number of yearly Ilene births more than doubled from 14 in 1904 to a peak of 275 in 1924. This period saw the highest concentration of Ilene births in the United States, with an average of around 250 births per year during this time.
The name's popularity continued to rise into the 1930s and 1940s, with some years seeing over 300 births. The peak of Ilene births occurred in 1946, with a total of 386 newborn girls given this name that year. This marked a significant increase from the previous decade's average of around 250 births per year.
However, the popularity of the name began to decline after the 1950s. From 1951 onwards, the number of yearly Ilene births fell significantly, averaging around 300 births per year during this time. This trend continued into the 1960s and 1970s, with fewer than 200 births per year on average.
The late 1970s and 1980s saw a brief resurgence in Ilene's popularity, with around 50 to 70 births per year. However, this was short-lived as the name's popularity declined once again into the 1990s and early 2000s.
Since then, the number of yearly Ilene births has been relatively low, averaging around 40 to 60 births per year between 1995 and 2010. In recent years, the popularity of the name has continued to decline, with fewer than 30 births per year on average from 2011 onwards.
In total, there have been 17,798 recorded births of Ilene in the United States since 1891. While the name's popularity has fluctuated over time, it remains a distinct and historical name choice for parents in the United States.