name
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Elena
Elena (name) means a female given name, common in Italian, Spanish, and other European languages, related to the English name Helen. Example: “Elena moved to Rome to study art history.”
name
1
A female given name, common in Italian, Spanish, and other European languages, related to the English name Helen.
"Justice Elena Kagan on Thursday defended the code of conduct the Supreme Court created last year, but conceded there needs to be a way to enforce the rules for it to be more effective."
— Devan Cole (2024)
"Elena moved to Rome to study art history."
How to use Elena
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA common Southern-European female first name equivalent to Helen.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Elenas
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_____ moved to Rome to study art history.
Etymology
Borrowed from Italian and Spanish Elena, a cognate of the English name Helen.
Related words
Rhymes for Elena
See all rhymes for Elena →Frequently asked questions
What does “Elena” mean?
The word “Elena” means a female given name, common in Italian, Spanish, and other European languages, related to the English name Helen. In plain terms, a common Southern-European female first name equivalent to Helen.
How do you use “Elena” in a sentence?
Here is “Elena” used in a sentence: “Elena moved to Rome to study art history.”
What part of speech is “Elena”?
“Elena” is a name.
Where does the word “Elena” come from?
The word “Elena” comes from Italian. Borrowed from Italian and Spanish Elena, a cognate of the English name Helen.
Is “Elena” a common word?
“Elena” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between Elena and Helen?
Elena is the form of the name common in Italian, Spanish, and several other European languages, while Helen is the standard English form. Both names are related and share the same underlying origin, differing mainly in spelling and pronunciation across languages.
How is the name Elena pronounced in English versus Spanish?
In English, Elena is often pronounced with the stress on the second syllable, similar to "eh-LAY-nuh" or "eh-LEE-nuh." In Spanish and Italian, it is typically pronounced "eh-LEH-nah," with a clearer, more even vowel sound on each syllable.
Is Elena a common name across multiple countries?
Yes, Elena is widely used across Italy, Spain, and other European countries where it is a standard and popular given name. Its broad presence across languages is one reason it feels internationally familiar compared to more region-specific names.
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