Jelena

Jelena is the South Slavic and Baltic form of Helen, ultimately derived from the ancient Greek name Helene, whose root is debated but most commonly associated with the Greek word for torch or the name of the sun. The name spread widely through the Christian world largely due to Saint Helena, the mother of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great, who was venerated for her pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Jelena was a common name among medieval Serbian royalty, reinforcing its cultural prominence in the region. Closely related forms include Helena, Elena, and the Latvian variant Jeļena.