Meaning & History
Elīna is a Latvian feminine given name, functioning as a form of Helen. The name derives from the Greek Helene, which is associated with meanings such as “torch” or “moon”, and is famously borne by the mythological Helen of Troy. Elīna has been recorded in Latvia since the late 19th century, with the earliest registration in 1898. According to data from the Population Register of Latvia, as of 2010 there were over 7,800 women named Elīna, making it a relatively common name in the country. Variants include Helēna, Elēna, and Jeļena. Diminutives and related forms include Ina, Liene, and Līna.
Regarding the etymology of the root name Helen, it is the English form of the Greek Helene. The precise meaning is uncertain, but it is often interpreted as “torch” or “corposant”, or possibly linked to selene meaning “moon”. In Greek mythology, Helen was the daughter of Zeus and Leda, and her abduction by Paris sparked the Trojan War. The name also gained prominence in Christian contexts thanks to Saint Helena (c. 248 – c. 328), mother of Emperor Constantine, who is credited with discovering the True Cross.