Helenka

Helenka is a Slavic diminutive of Helena, itself the Latinized form of the ancient Greek name Helene, whose root is most likely helene, meaning torch or bright one, though some scholars connect it to selene, the moon. The name gained enduring prominence through Helen of Troy in Greek mythology and later through Saint Helena, the fourth-century Roman empress and mother of Constantine the Great, who became venerated for her pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Helenka functions as an affectionate or familiar form widely used in Polish and Slovak traditions. Related forms include Helena, Helene, Hélène, Elena, and Yelena.