Helen

Helen is a female given name of Greek origin. The form Helene or Helenē is often linked to Greek roots associated with light or a torch, though the exact etymology is uncertain. In the English-speaking world, the name has been widely used since ancient times and remains common in many languages and cultures.

In classical mythology, Helen of Troy is one of the most famous figures. She is described as the daughter of Zeus and Leda and is traditionally portrayed as exceptionally beautiful. Her alleged abduction or elopement with Paris sparked the Trojan War in ancient Greek literature, though later writers sometimes treat her with greater nuance or ambiguity regarding responsibility for the conflict.

Numerous notable people have borne the name. Helen Keller (1880–1968) was an American author and advocate who, despite being blind and deaf from early childhood, learned to communicate and became a leading figure in disability rights. Other well-known Helens include actress Helen Mirren (born 1945), Academy Award winner for The Queen; actress and director Helen Hunt (born 1963); and painter Helen Frankenthaler (1928–2011), a prominent figure in American abstract art.

Geographically, Helen is the name of places such as Helen, Georgia, a town in the United States known for its alpine-inspired architecture and tourism. The name also appears in literature, film, and music as a given name for various fictional characters and real people, reflecting its long-standing use across cultures and media.