The name Helena has its origins in the ancient Greek language and culture, dating back to antiquity. It is derived from the Greek word "helene," which means "bright" or "shining one." The name is believed to be connected to the Greek goddess of beauty and love, Helene, who is better known by her Roman name, Venus.

Helena is a name that has been used throughout history and has been associated with various notable figures. In Greek mythology, Helena of Troy, also known as Helen of Troy, was a famous figure whose abduction by Paris of Troy sparked the Trojan War. This event is recounted in Homer's epic poem, the Iliad, which is one of the earliest written works in Western literature.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Helena can be found in the New Testament of the Bible. Helena of Constantinople, also known as Saint Helena, was the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. She is venerated as a saint in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches for her role in establishing Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire.

During the Middle Ages, Helena was a popular name among European nobility. One notable bearer of the name was Helena of Sweden (1325-1384), who was the Queen of Sweden from 1363 until her death. Another important figure was Helena Dragaš (c. 1360-1405), who was the Empress of Serbia and a member of the Byzantine imperial family.

In the Renaissance period, Helena Lucretia Cornaro Piscopia (1646-1684) was an Italian philosopher and theologian who became the first woman to receive a doctoral degree from the University of Padua in 1678.

Another famous Helena was Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831-1891), a Russian occultist and co-founder of the Theosophical Society, which played a significant role in introducing Eastern philosophy and mysticism to the Western world.

Helena Rubinstein (1872-1965) was a Polish-American businesswoman and cosmetics entrepreneur who revolutionized the cosmetics industry and played a pivotal role in establishing the modern beauty industry.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Helena, a name with a rich cultural and historical legacy spanning centuries and various civilizations.