Meaning & History
Hellen is a variant of the name Helen, used primarily in English-speaking countries. The name Helen ultimately derives from the Greek Ἑλένη (Helene), which may mean "torch" or "corposant," or be related to σελήνη (selene), meaning "moon."
Mythological and Historical Context
In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy was the daughter of Zeus and Leda, whose abduction by Paris sparked the Trojan War. The name also honors Saint Helena, mother of the Roman emperor Constantine, who is credited with finding the True Cross in Jerusalem. It was popularized among early Christians due to the saint's reverence, while the classical figure was often avoided by early Christians.
The name Ellen was the common spelling in medieval England, but by the Renaissance the spelling Helen became standard. Hellen, as a variant, follows this tradition.
Notably, the name Hellen also appears in Greek mythology as the eponymous progenitor of the Hellenes, son of Deucalion (or Zeus) and Pyrrha, and father of Dorus, Xuthus, and Aeolus, from whom the Greek peoples are descended. However, as a given name, its usage is largely due to the Helen variant rather than this mythological origin.
Related Forms and Diminutives
Related names include the variants Helena, Elena, Ellena, and diminutives such as Nell, Nellie, and Nelly. In other languages, it appears as Helena (Swedish), Helene (Swedish), Elen (Welsh), and Elaine (Arthurian Cycle).
- Meaning: torch, corposant, or possibly moon
- Origin: Greek
- Usage: English
- Type: Variant of Helen