Meaning & History
Heghine (Հեղինե) is an Armenian feminine given name, representing the Armenian form of Helen. It derives from the Greek Ἑλένη (Helene), a name whose meaning is debated but is often linked to the Greek word ἑλένη (helene) meaning "torch" or "corposant" (St. Elmo's fire), or possibly to σελήνη (selene) meaning "moon."
Etymology and Historical Context
The ultimate origin of Helen is uncertain, but it is famously borne in Greek mythology by Helen of Troy, the daughter of Zeus and Leda, whose abduction by Paris sparked the Trojan War. The name gained Christian popularity through the 4th-century Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, credited with discovering the True Cross. In Armenian, Heghine follows the pattern of adapting Greek names into the Armenian phonetic system, replacing the initial 'e' sound with 'he' and using the suffix '-ine' typical of Armenian feminine names.
Notable Bearers
Heghine is notably associated with popular culture through Kim Kardashian, who is alleged to have been baptized with the name Heghine, though her public name remains Kim. Heghine Rapyan (born 1985) is a noted Armenian pianist. Heghine Grigorian (born 1989), also known by the stage names Egine or Ezhine, is an Armenian-Russian singer and songwriter (eginewashere).
- Meaning: Torch, corposant, or moon (cognate with Helen)
- Origin: Armenian form of Greek Helene
- Usage: Armenian
- Gender: Feminine
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Heghine