Olena

Meaning of Olena

Olena is a graceful Ukrainian variant of the timeless name Helen, derived from the Greek Helene meaning “torch” or “light.” Pronounced oh-LEH-nah (/oˈlənə/), it carries connotations of clarity, warmth and quiet resilience rooted in Eastern European heritage. Evoking both historical gravitas—thanks to associations with early Christian saints—and contemporary appeal, Olena bridges old-world tradition with modern sensibility. In the United States, its steady rise into the top 1,000 names for baby girls in recent years reflects a growing interest in names that offer cultural depth and effortless elegance. Parents drawn to Olena often appreciate its subtle sophistication—and the bonus of rarely needing to spell it out at the coffee shop.