What Elena means
Elena is a girl name of Greek origin meaning "torch; bright". It comes from Greek Helene (torch, corposant), possibly related to selene (moon); disputed. It is pronounced eh-LEH-nah.
Etymology uncertain but usually glossed as torch or shining light. Saint Helena, mother of Constantine, is celebrated August 18.
About this meaning. The etymology is uncertain or disputed. The reading above is the best-supported one; popular baby-name sites often give a more romantic gloss that the dictionaries do not confirm.
Spellings and variants: Helena.
Nicknames in Mexico: Nena. See the guide to Mexican nicknames.
Popularity: one of the most common names in Mexico. See the current top names.
