Find out how popular the first name Yelina has been for the last 18 years (from 2006 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Yelina by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Yelina is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Yelina.

The history of the first name Yelina

The name Yelina is believed to have its origins in various Slavic languages, particularly Russian and Ukrainian. Its roots can be traced back to the Greek name "Helena," which itself is derived from the Greek word "helene," meaning "bright" or "shining one."

In Russian and Ukrainian cultures, the name Yelina is a diminutive form of the name Elena or Yelena, which is the Slavic equivalent of Helena. The addition of the diminutive suffix "-ina" or "-inka" creates the affectionate form Yelina.

The name Yelina gained popularity in Eastern Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly in regions influenced by Byzantine culture and the Orthodox Christian faith. It was often associated with the cult of St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, who is revered in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Yelina can be found in the Russian chronicles from the 12th century, where it is mentioned as a common name among the nobility and upper classes. In the 16th century, Yelina Glinskaya was a prominent figure at the court of Ivan the Terrible, serving as his first wife and playing a significant role in Russian politics of the time.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Yelina. In the 19th century, Yelina Pavlovna Blavatsky (1831-1891) was a Russian occultist and the founder of the Theosophical Society, which sought to promote universal brotherhood and the study of ancient wisdom traditions.

Another prominent Yelina was Yelina Konstantinovna Bytchikhina (1838-1889), a Russian painter and portraitist who gained recognition for her works depicting scenes from Russian history and daily life.

In the realm of literature, Yelina Mikhailovna Polenova (1850-1898) was a Russian writer and translator known for her translations of works by Charles Dickens and other English authors.

Yelina Andreyevna Dmitriyeva (1903-1986) was a Soviet archaeologist and historian who made significant contributions to the study of ancient Slavic cultures and the early history of Russia.

Yelina Nikolayevna Bytchkova (1924-2017) was a Soviet and Russian theater and film actress who had a prolific career spanning over six decades, appearing in numerous stage productions and films.

While the name Yelina has its roots in Eastern Europe, it has also gained popularity in other parts of the world due to cultural exchange and migration. However, its historical significance and linguistic origins remain firmly rooted in the Slavic cultures of Russia and Ukraine.

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 Yelina was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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