Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Eleni

      Origin 
      Greek

      Meaning 
      Light

      Variations 
      Nieleni, Elani, Elena

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The name Eleni holds its roots in ancient Greece, deriving from the Greek word lni, which translates to light. This powerful name has paved its way through history, capturing the essence of hope and illumination. In ancient times, Eleni gained prominence through its association with Eleni of Sparta, a woman known for her beauty and intelligence. Eleni was the wife of Menelaus, the king of Sparta, and her involvement in the epic Trojan War highlighted her strength and wisdom.

      As Greek culture expanded across the world, so did the popularity of the name Eleni. It reached its peak during the Byzantine era, as numerous empresses and noblewomen bore this significant name. The timeless appeal of Eleni eventually transcended boundaries and continues to be embraced in modern times. It remains a beloved choice not just in Greece, but also among individuals of Greek descent living in various parts of the world.

      With its deep historical roots and meaningful connotation, Eleni persists as a prevalent name in contemporary society. Its association with light makes it a symbol of inspiration, enlightenment, and optimism. Eleni serves not only as a reminder of the illustrious individuals who bore it in the past but also as a beacon of hope for future generations.
      Based on our records...
      This is the most common surname, spouse name and child name associated with Eleni.
      Georgiou

      is the most common surname for Eleni.

      Georgios

      is the most common spouse name for Eleni.

      George

      is the most common child name for Eleni.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry
      did_you_know_bar
      Based on our records...
      Did you know?
      1927 is when there were the most people born with the first name Eleni.

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.