"bright, shining light"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Elina
Girl Name
#785 Most Popular
Rising
3 Syllables
Scandinavian luminosity with ancient Hellenic roots
Scandinavian
Finnish
Eastern European
Russian
Elegant
Gentle
International
Classic
Meaning & Origin
"torch, moon"
Origin: Greek
Language: Finnish
The Story of Elina
Elina is a Scandinavian and Finnish variant of the Greek name Helen (Helene), derived from the Greek Helene, which may come from helene meaning torch or from Selene meaning the moon. Helen of Troy is one of the most famous figures in Greek mythology, whose beauty caused the Trojan War. The Scandinavian form Elina has its own distinctive identity, particularly beloved in Finland where it has been a top-10 name.
Elina is among the most popular names in Finland and has been consistently so for decades. In Estonia and other Baltic states it is similarly beloved. Internationally, it is gaining traction as parents discover this elegant alternative to Elena or Alina.
In Finland, Elina is a culturally significant name with the name day celebration on April 13th. The name appears in Finnish literature and folklore. Finnish opera singer Elina Garanca has given the name artistic prestige on the world stage.
Fun Facts
- Elina has been among the top 10 names in Finland for several consecutive decades
- Helen of Troy was called the face that launched a thousand ships by Christopher Marlowe in Doctor Faustus
Elina in Other Languages
Greek
Ελένα
Finnish
Elina
Russian
Элина
Swedish
Elina
Estonian
Elina
Famous People Named Elina
E
Elina Svitolina
Athlete
1994
Ukrainian professional tennis player, former world number 3 and 2019 Wimbledon semifinalist
E
Elina Garanca
Musician
1976
Latvian opera mezzo-soprano considered one of the finest singers of her generation
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #785
- Total SSA Count
- 358
- Cultural Origins
- Scandinavian Finnish Eastern European Russian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Eli
Lina
Ela
Pairs Well With
Elina Sofia
Elina Marie
Elina Rose
Elina Victoria
Elina Grace
Elina Sophia
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Elina and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Elina sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Frequently Asked Questions About Elina
What does the name Elina mean?
"bright, shining light" (from Greek). "torch, moon" (from Greek). Elina is a Scandinavian and Finnish variant of the Greek name Helen (Helene), derived from the Greek Helene, which may come from helene meaning torch or from Selene meaning the moon. Helen of Troy is one of the most famous figures in Greek mythology, whose beauty caused the Trojan War. The Scandinavian form Elina has its own distinctive identity, particularly beloved in Finland where it has been a top-10 name.
What is the origin of the name Elina?
Elina has Greek, Scandinavian, Finnish, Eastern European, and Russian origins. In Greek, it means "bright, shining light". In Greek, it means "torch, moon".
Is Elina a boy or girl name?
Elina is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Elina?
Elina is currently ranked #785 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Elina?
Common nicknames for Elina include Eli, Lina, and Ela.
What are good middle names for Elina?
Popular middle name pairings include Elina Sofia, Elina Marie, Elina Rose, Elina Victoria, Elina Grace, and Elina Sophia.
What are good sibling names for Elina?
Names that pair well with Elina as siblings include Natalia, Vera, Ivan, Nikolai, Katarina, and Lilja.
How many syllables does Elina have?
Elina has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Elina a common or rare name?
Elina is moderately common, ranked #785 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Elina
Elina is a girl name with Scandinavian, Finnish, Eastern European, and Russian origins . The name means "bright, shining light" in Greek .
Elina is currently ranked #785 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Elina has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Elina include Eli, Lina, and Ela. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Elina include Elinor, Elin . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.