Eline is a female given name predominantly used in Norwegian and Dutch, serving as a variant of Helen. Like many European names derived from Helen, its ultimate root is the Greek Helēnē, which is possibly linked to the word for “torch” or “corposant,” or to selēnē meaning “moon.” In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy was the daughter of Zeus and Leda, and her abduction sparked the Trojan War. The name also gained Christian popularity through Saint Helena, the 4th-century mother of Emperor Constantine, who is credited with finding the True Cross. While Helen was the standard form in English since the Renaissance, Scandinavian and Dutch languages developed regional variants like Eline, Elin, and Heleen. Notable Bearers Eline appears as the name of several athletes, artists, and historical figures. Notable individuals include Norwegian theatre director Eline Arbo and Belgian hurdler Eline Berings. Eline Eriksen (1881–1963) was the Danish wife of sculptor Edvard Eriksen and famously modeled for the Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen. Marie Eline (1902–1981) was an American silent film child actress. In literature, the name is celebrated as the title character of Louis Couperus’s 1889 novel Eline Vere, later adapted into a 1991 Dutch film. Variants and Diminutives Related forms across languages include Elin and Ellen (Danish), Heleen (Dutch), Helene (Swedish, Norwegian), and Helena (many languages). Common Dutch and Scandinavian diminutives are Lena, Lene, Ella, and Eli. In Dutch, the affectionate form Heleentje is occasionally used. Cultural Significance While Eline is not among the most popular names in contemporary Nordic or Dutch naming charts, it remains in use as a classic variant. Its pronunciation varies: Norwegian /ˈeːliːnə/, Dutch /eːˈlinə/. The name has also been applied to natural phenomena; a notable Indian Ocean tropical cyclone in 2000 was named Cyclone Leon–Eline. Meaning: Variant of Helen, meaning “torch” or “moon.” Origin: Greek via Norwegian and Dutch. Type: Female given name. Usage regions: Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium.