Helier

Helier most commonly refers to Saint Helier, the capital parish and town of Jersey, a Crown dependency in the Channel Islands. The parish lies on the island’s eastern coast and serves as Jersey’s administrative and commercial center, with the town surrounding the harbor and market.

The name derives from Saint Helier, a 6th-century Breton hermit or monk associated with the faith in Jersey. According to tradition, he lived on the island and was martyred there, and his legacy gave the parish its name. The designation Saint Helier is used for both the parish and the urban center that grew up around the harbor and market.

The town is known for its historic streets, government facilities, and waterfront amenities. Notable sites include the Market (Le Marché), the Jersey Museum and Art Gallery, and the Town Hall. The seafront area includes Liberation Square, and nearby Elizabeth Castle sits on a tidal island and is reachable by path during low tide or by boat. The Port of Jersey provides ferry and cargo connections, reflecting the parish’s ongoing role as a transportation hub for the island.

Beyond the Jersey context, Helier may appear as a surname or given name in French-speaking regions. In most references, however, Helier denotes the parish and town of Saint Helier in Jersey, serving as the principal urban and administrative center of the island.