Helen
How to say it: HEL-un · /ˈhɛlən/
From Greek 'Helene', probably from 'helene' (torch) or possibly related to 'selene' (moon), its exact origin uncertain. Famous from Greek mythology. source 1
Helen was the 392nd most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 668 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1910s, its births are down about 7% in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #387 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #392 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 668 |
| Share of births | 1 in 4,033 |
| Peak decade | 1910s |
| Change over 10 years | −7% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #387 |
| In France, 2025 | #294 among girls’ names, 10 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Long established before its high in the 1910s, Helen continues in use far below that point. It should edge upward again soon.
What goes with it
Gentle and breathy in two syllables, Helen feels bright and travels well. Margaret shares its classic style.
Parents who love Helen also love
Nicknames
- Nell
- Nellie
- Lena
Honouring a Helen in the family
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Helen is about 1 in 169.
Around the world
This spelling is used in Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Norwegian, Swedish.
In France: #294 for girls in 2025.
Ireland: #396.
Famous people named Helen
- Helen Keller (1880–1968)American deafblind author, political activist, lecturer, scholar
- Helen Mirren (born 1945)British actress
- Helen Clark (born 1950)Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1999 to 2008
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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