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girl name · greek origin

Eleni

/ eh-LEH-nee /
Girl greek 3 syllables
Meaning
Eleni means Torch; bright light (disputed) (greek).
Gender
Girl
Origin
greek
Pronunciation
eh-LEH-nee
Popularity
#1038 · U.S. girls (2025)
Popularity of Eleni in the US, 1880–2025
1960198020002020

Eleni first appears in US records in 0. It peaked in 2024, when 255 girls were given the name.

Source: US Social Security Administration.

Is Eleni popular?

Rising Eleni has climbed over the past decade, given to more girls now than ten years ago.

US babies given the name Eleni, by decade
2020s 1,216
2010s 1,420
2000s 1,319
1990s 1,275
1980s 762
1970s 469
1960s 239
1950s 100
1940s 22

Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.

What does Eleni mean?

Modern Greek form of Helen/Helene. The etymology is uncertain: most often linked to Greek 'hele' ('torch') or a root meaning 'shine/bright', with some scholars instead proposing a connection to the moon or a pre-Greek word of unknown meaning. The 'torch/bright light' reading is traditional but not settled.

Names like Eleni

greek names with a similar feel and popularity.

See all names like Eleni →

Names that pair well with Eleni

Popular greek names for a sibling or a middle name.

Compare Eleni

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Eleni mean?

Eleni means Torch; bright light (disputed). Modern Greek form of Helen/Helene. The etymology is uncertain: most often linked to Greek 'hele' ('torch') or a root meaning 'shine/bright', with some scholars instead proposing a connection to the moon or a pre-Greek word of unknown meaning. The 'torch/bright light' reading is traditional but not settled.

What is the origin of the name Eleni?

Eleni is of greek origin.

How do you pronounce Eleni?

Eleni is pronounced “eh-LEH-nee.”

Is Eleni a boy or a girl name?

Eleni is most commonly used as a girl name.

Is Eleni a popular name right now?

Eleni has climbed over the past decade, given to more girls now than ten years ago.

How popular is the name Eleni?

In 2025, Eleni ranked #1038 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.

When was the name Eleni most popular?

Eleni was most popular in 2024, when about 255 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.

What names are similar to Eleni?

Names similar to Eleni include Charisse, Callista, Bronte, Charis, Ariadne.

What names go well with Eleni?

greek names that pair well with Eleni include Christopher, Cynthia, Andrew, Helen, Timothy.