Olena is a beautiful and unique female given name of Ukrainian origin. It is derived from the older Slavic name Oleksandra, which means "defender" or "protector". This name has been popular in Ukraine for centuries and has been used by many notable figures throughout history.
The name Olena has a rich historical significance in Ukraine. Many prominent women have borne this name, including Olena Kuliš, a famous Ukrainian poet and writer who lived in the 19th century, and Olena Teliha, a talented young poet and translator who was executed by the Nazis during World War II for her patriotic activities.
Despite its Ukrainian origins, Olena has been adopted by other cultures as well. Today, it can be found among people of various nationalities around the world, including those in Russia, Poland, and even some English-speaking countries.
In terms of pronunciation, Olena is typically pronounced /oh-LEH-nuh/. It consists of three syllables: oh, LEH, nuh. The stress falls on the second syllable (LEH).
Overall, Olena is a lovely name with a strong historical background and meaningful significance. Whether you are looking for a unique name for your daughter or simply appreciate beautiful names from different cultures, Olena is certainly worth considering.
The name Olena had a slow start with only five births recorded each year from 1882 to 1894. However, it began gaining traction around the late 1890s and early 1900s, with numbers ranging from six to eight births annually. The peak of popularity occurred between 1915 and 1936, during which time the number of annual births ranged from ten to nineteen, with a high of twenty-six in 2021. After World War II, the popularity of Olena began to fluctuate, but it remained relatively stable until the late 1970s when it started declining again. Despite this decline, Olena has maintained a consistent presence over time, with at least five births recorded every year since 1882, totaling 863 births by 2023.