Elena
torch, bright, or shining light (Greek via Spanish)
Elena is a spanish / biblical girl name in the Philippines. In the civil registry as of May 2021 it is number 59, with 82,877 records. It has 3 syllables.
Origin and meaning
torch, bright, or shining light (Greek via Spanish)
Elena is the Spanish and Italian form of the Greek name Helena. In the Philippines, the name has been firmly established since the Spanish colonial era, deeply tied to Catholic tradition and the veneration of Saint Helena (Santa Elena), who is prominently celebrated during the annual Santacruzan festival.
Derived from the ancient Greek name Helene, Elena entered Philippine naming traditions primarily through Spanish Catholicism, bolstered by devotion to Saint Helena.
Name character
In the Philippines
A classic Philippine name frequently shortened to Elen, Leng, Nena, or Ely. It often appears in traditional compound names such as Maria Elena.
Related forms
- Elena Spanish
- Helen English
- Helena Greek
- Hélène French
- Elena Russian
Would your family give Elena?
Mark it if your family would give this first name. The count is for 2026 on this site. It is not the civil registry, and it is not babies registered in 2024. One browser can choose a name once in the year.
No family on this site has marked Elena for 2026 yet.
Elena with common surname pairs
Each pair is a mother's maiden surname plus a father's surname. The number is the sound-fit score for this first name.
Related girl names
About the name Elena
How do I use Elena with two Filipino surnames?
Elena is the given name. The full name is Elena + mother's maiden surname + father's surname. Score a pair from a combination page or the homepage search.
Is Elena a common girl name in the Philippines?
In the civil registry as of May 2021, Elena is number 59, with 82,877 records. That is not the 2024 birth list, and it does not say the name is a better choice. How it sounds with both family surnames is a separate score.