What does Genesis mean?
Genesis is the Greek word for “origin” or “beginning.”
What does Elena mean?
A form of Helen, from the Greek, “torch” or “bright, shining light.”
Genesis vs Elena
Which is more popular?
Elena is more popular than Genesis today: about 4,836 US babies were given the name Elena in 2025, compared with 3,527 named Genesis.
| Genesis | Elena | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Origin, beginning | Bright, shining light |
| Origin | Greek | Greek |
| Gender | Girl | Girl |
| Pronunciation | JEN-uh-sis | eh-LAY-nuh |
| Syllables | 3 | 3 |
| First appeared | 1964 | 1880 |
| Peak year | 2016 (4,351) | 2025 (4,836) |
| In 2025 | 3,527 | 4,836 |
| Trend | Steady | Near its peak |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Genesis
Elena
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Genesis | Elena |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 21,524 | 26,192 |
| 2010s | 40,524 | 28,804 |
| 2000s | 21,434 | 15,699 |
| 1990s | 8,685 | 9,500 |
| 1980s | 1,121 | 6,300 |
| 1970s | 278 | 5,281 |
| 1960s | 12 | 4,744 |
| 1950s | 0 | 3,454 |
| 1940s | 0 | 2,247 |
| 1930s | 0 | 1,638 |
| 1920s | 0 | 2,169 |
| 1910s | 0 | 1,335 |
| 1900s | 0 | 376 |
| 1890s | 0 | 200 |
| 1880s | 0 | 74 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Genesis or Elena more popular?
Elena is more popular than Genesis today: about 4,836 US babies were given the name Elena in 2025, compared with 3,527 named Genesis.
What is the difference between Genesis and Elena?
Genesis means Origin, beginning (Greek origin), while Elena means Bright, shining light (Greek origin).
Which name is older, Genesis or Elena?
In US records, Genesis first appears in 1964 and Elena in 1880, so Elena has the longer recorded history.