Meaning and history
Elen is the Welsh form of Helen. Helen derives from ancient Greek Helene, whose meaning is uncertain; proposed connections with “torch,” “light,” or the moon remain debated. In Welsh legend, Elen Luyddog, or Elen of the Hosts, is associated with Roman roads and the emperor Magnus Maximus. Notable bearers include Welsh actor Elen Rhys and Welsh writer Elen Caldecott. The form has an established Welsh identity distinct from the English spelling Ellen.
20062006: 9 births, rank #11,417
2007: no US SSA record for this spelling
2008: 13 births, rank #8,965
2009: 8 births, rank #12,429
2010: 12 births, rank #9,231
20112011: 8 births, rank #12,153
2012: 13 births, rank #8,632
2013: 10 births, rank #10,235
2014: no US SSA record for this spelling
2015: 7 births, rank #13,006
20162016: 7 births, rank #12,876
2017: 5 births, rank #15,902
2018: 9 births, rank #10,545
2019: 12 births, rank #8,597
2020: 7 births, rank #12,142
20212021: 5 births, rank #15,251
2022: 17 births, rank #6,707
2023: 13 births, rank #8,055
2024: 11 births, rank #8,946
20252025: 8 births, rank #10,917
In 2025, 8 babies were recorded with the name Elen, ranking #10,917 among girls.