Jelen is a warm-spirited unisex name that dances easily between cultures—pronounced JAY-lin in English and YEH-len in Serbian—inviting images of both bright light and woodland grace. In its English guise, it nods to the timeless Helen, whispering the promise of “bright one,” while in Slavic tongues “jelen” simply means “deer,” a gentle symbol of agility and natural elegance. Though it never stormed the top of the charts, a handful of American families in the 1990s and early 2000s quietly fell for its soft confidence—six or seven little Jelens each year, ranking around the 800s. It’s a name that feels like a personal sunrise or a playful leap through dappled forest light—perfect for a child who might one day shine just as brightly or roam just as freely.