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 name Helen has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the past century and a half, with its usage fluctuating over time. In the late 19th century, the number of newborn girls named Helen was relatively low, with only 636 births recorded in 1880. However, this figure began to rise steadily throughout the 1880s and 1890s, reaching an all-time high of 3676 births in 1894.
This trend continued into the early 20th century, with over 10,000 newborn girls named Helen recorded each year between 1900 and 1910. The popularity of the name Helen peaked during this period, with a total of 17,768 births recorded in 1910 alone.
However, after reaching its peak, the usage of the name Helen began to decline once again. By the 1930s, the number of newborn girls named Helen had fallen to around 2,500 births per year, and this figure continued to drop throughout the remainder of the century.
Despite its declining popularity, the name Helen remained a consistent choice for parents in the United States during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Between 1970 and 2023, an average of around 750 newborn girls were named Helen each year.
In total, over the course of more than a century and a half, from 1880 to 2023, a combined total of 102,278 newborn girls have been named Helen in the United States. This demonstrates the enduring appeal of this classic name for parents seeking a timeless and elegant option for their daughters.