Ilona

Ilona is a Hungarian form of Helen, ultimately derived from the ancient Greek name Helene, whose root is debated but commonly associated with the Greek word for torch or with Hellas, the Greek name for Greece. The name gained wide use across Central and Northern Europe through Hungarian influence, spreading into Finnish, Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, and Czech traditions. In Hungarian folklore and legend, Ilona appears as the archetypal beautiful fairy princess, cementing the name's romantic and ethereal associations. Related forms include Helena, Elena, and the Finnish Eliina.