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Baby names

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Original poster

Is Helen too boring?

86 replies

PinkPanther57 · 21/12/2022 16:35

I love it and a classic but seen as dull it seems (?)

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KirstenBlest · 24/12/2022 12:25

@Gingersnappy , Helen and Eleni have the same meaning, but Eleanor is of a different origin.

Luredbyapomegranate · 24/12/2022 10:42

It always sounds a bit ploddy to me

But other than that there are so many in their 40s to 70s it probably just sounds tired to people

Rachel and Caroline are a similar vintage and vibe, but little less tired and a bit more vibrant I think

Jocelyn
Claudia
Julia
Frances
Susannah
Diana
Louisa
Margaret
Jane
Jean
Honor

are similarly straight forward and elegant and not overused right now

Merryn
Meredith
Astrid
Marianne
Lydia

also have a similar feel, although more of the moment

Gingersnappy · 23/12/2022 17:27

Yes imo. A couple variations of Helen that I like are Eleanor and Eleni

OzziePopPop · 23/12/2022 05:51

Love Helena and Helen, definitely not boring!

Talapia · 23/12/2022 05:49

Classic and not overused.
I like Helena pronounced Helaina !

Iwannabeacrocodilehunter · 23/12/2022 05:46

It’s not for me. I like names that are traditional rather than those made-up sounding names, but not quite that traditional. I think names like Sophia; Charlotte and Emma are lovely, however Jane’s and Helen’s are up there with Karen’s and Anne’s for me. They aren’t even ‘cute-sy old’ like Mable or Ruby.

PeaceJoySleep · 23/12/2022 05:04

I love Jane. It stands out in a sea of soft frilly names ending in ee or ia

nancydroo · 22/12/2022 10:53

Yes it is boring like Jane.

17caterpillars1mouse · 22/12/2022 10:50

I love it. It's definitely due a revival surely

ginislife · 22/12/2022 10:21

My sister is Helen. We call her H or Len lol. But it's a lovely name. Helena maybe a bit more current but both good classic names

Pemba · 22/12/2022 10:11

It's classic, and probably due a resurgence. I also think of Helen of Troy.

I do prefer Helena though if I'm honest. But with that you have to navigate the 3 or 4 different pronunciations. Helen is straightforward.

MissLucyEyelesbarrow · 22/12/2022 09:22

MamboJamboWambo · 22/12/2022 00:46

I don't think it's dull. It's a very late 80's/90's name though. A bit like Jennifer. I'm not keen on the name personally as Helen was the school bully.

Is it? Genuine question - I'm of that generation myself. I know approximately 10 million Sarahs, but only a couple of Helens of my age. I'd say it's a name that I wouldn't associate with any particular age group.

Iamthewombat · 22/12/2022 08:22

katis · 21/12/2022 17:05

Really hate the name Helen it's a Middle Aged woman's name. Helena is much nicer

You must hate a lot of names, then, because there are a lot of middle-aged women around.

HelsyQ · 22/12/2022 08:21

I really don’t like the name Helena, Helen is an old ladies name.

Flammkuchen · 22/12/2022 08:20

DD has a friend who uses her middle name as Helen is a ‘mum’s name’. So nice but dated

tweedlee · 22/12/2022 08:17

Lovely name. I only know 2 Helen's - 1 in her 40s and 1 30s. Go for it!

BabyFour2023 · 22/12/2022 08:14

For me, yes. It’s the female Simon. Dull, bland and a bit wet.

VenusClapTrap · 22/12/2022 08:13

I love it. Dd was nearly a Helena. I prefer it without the ‘a’ on the end now as there are so many Eleanors around (with various spellings) and Ellies. Plus I prefer shorter, stronger names that are less likely to be shortened.

DramaAlpaca · 22/12/2022 00:56

It's a beautiful, classy, elegant name. I prefer it to the 'prettier' Helena.

And I much prefer it to the seriously frumpy Ellen.

ditherydotty · 22/12/2022 00:46

Like it but prefer Ellen

MamboJamboWambo · 22/12/2022 00:46

I don't think it's dull. It's a very late 80's/90's name though. A bit like Jennifer. I'm not keen on the name personally as Helen was the school bully.

NooneKnowsWhatItsLike · 22/12/2022 00:44

IMO it’s a completely uninspiring name.

Helen Daniels comes to mind.

TheFormidableMrsC · 22/12/2022 00:41

One of my dearest friends is a Helen. She's an amazing human. Indeed every Helen I've ever known has been lovely. It would be good to see this name have a resurgence. Go for it.

Smallonesaremorejuicy · 22/12/2022 00:07

Helen is elegant & traditional. Love it . I have a cousin in Canada called Helene ( pronounced Hell ene )

SunflowerSmith · 22/12/2022 00:03

I'm mid 40's and know lots of Helens my age, they all seem to get called Hel or 'elen.

It is a nice name though.