Yelena sits next to 4 phonetic neighbors — Elena, Helena, and Helen are the closest matches by sound. Most share Yelena's Russian-origin cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"bright, shining light"
"foreign, other"
"torch, brilliant"
"from Ing, Norse deity of fertility"
"serene, tranquil one"
"From the coast"
"God is gracious"
"wisdom, knowledge"
"one who will be reborn"
"Slavic elaboration of Helen"
"gracious one"
"festivity, celebration"
"golden, made of gold"
"gracious, dear, beloved (via Slavic mila)"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Yelena — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Greek origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Yelena.
Rhythm: Yelena is a 3-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.