Find out how popular the first name Eleni has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Eleni by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Eleni is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 214 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Eleni.

The history of the first name Eleni

The name Eleni is of Greek origin and has a long and rich history dating back to ancient times. It is derived from the Greek word "Helene," which means "bright" or "shining one." The name is a feminine form of the Greek name "Helenos," which was the name of a celebrated seer in Greek mythology.

In ancient Greek literature, the name Eleni is associated with the famous character Helen of Troy, whose abduction by Paris of Troy was the catalyst for the Trojan War. The story of Helen of Troy is recounted in Homer's epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey, which date back to the 8th century BC.

The name Eleni has been popular throughout Greek history, and there have been several notable figures who bore this name. One of the earliest recorded examples is Eleni, the wife of the Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Komnenos, who lived in the 12th century AD.

Another famous Eleni was Eleni Glykatzi-Arveleri, a Greek poet and feminist who lived from 1874 to 1957. She was a prominent figure in the Greek literary scene and was known for her works that explored themes of love, nature, and the struggles of women.

In the realm of politics, Eleni Tsoukala was a Greek politician who served as a member of the Hellenic Parliament from 1996 to 2004. She was an advocate for women's rights and played a significant role in promoting gender equality in Greece.

One of the most famous Elenis in modern times was Eleni Karaindrou, a Greek composer and musician born in 1939. She is best known for her collaborations with film director Theo Angelopoulos and has composed scores for numerous award-winning films.

Another notable Eleni was Eleni Bakopanos, a Greek athlete who competed in the high jump event at the 1964 and 1968 Summer Olympics. She won a bronze medal at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, becoming the first Greek woman to win an Olympic medal in athletics.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals who have borne the name Eleni throughout history, highlighting the enduring popularity and significance of this name in Greek culture and beyond.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Eleni was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Eleni, please contact us.

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