Alena

Alena is a Central and Eastern European given name that arose as a contracted or regional form of Helena, which itself derives from the ancient Greek Helene, possibly connected to a root meaning torch or light, though its precise origin remains debated. The name is widely used in Czech, Slovak, Slovene, German, and Belarusian traditions, reflecting the broad medieval spread of Helena through Christian veneration of Saint Helena, mother of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great. Closely related forms include Alena's full source Helena, as well as Elena, Elene, and the Slavic diminutive Alenka.