Helene Surname History

Origins Available:
England

Helene is an Anglo-Saxon name. The name was originally given to a herdsman. The surname Helene is derived from the Old English word helm, which means a covering. In some later dialects, this word took on the which means of a roofed shelter for cattle. Occupational names such as Helene frequently were derived from the principal object associated with the activity of the original bearer, such as tools or products. These types of occupational surnames are called metonymic surnames.

Early Origins of the Helene family

The surname Helene was first found in Surrey where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Helene family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Helene research. Another 94 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1180 and 1500 are included under the topic Early Helene History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Helene Spelling Variations

One relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Helene has appeared include Helme, Helm, Helms and others.

Early Notables of the Helene family

More information is included under the topic Early Helene Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Helene family

At this time, the shores of the New World beckoned many English families that felt that the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. Thousands left England at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. A great portion of these settlers never survived the journey and even a greater number arrived sick, starving, and without a penny. The survivors, however, were often greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. These English settlers made significant contributions to those colonies that would eventually become the United States and Canada. An examination of early immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Helene arrived in North America very early: Peter Helm, his wife, and six sons and one daughter who arrived in 1709 in New England; Daniel Helm arrived in New England in 1768.

Contemporary Notables of the name Helene (post 1700) +

Selma Helene Archerd (1925-2023), née Fenning, an American actress, known for her roles in Die Hard (1988), Lethal Weapon (1987) and Lethal Weapon 3 (1992)
Yvonne Helene Jacquette (1934-2023), American painter, printmaker, and educator, known for her depictions of aerial landscapes
Anna Helene Paquin (b. 1982), Canadian-born, New Zealand Academy Award and Golden Globe Award winning actress
Ann Helene Lippert (b. 1963), American comedian and actress
Eva Helene Nansen (1858-1907), celebrated Norwegian mezzosoprano singer
Ida Helene Heidel (b. 1958), Norwegian born flautist and composer
Helene Vannari (1948-2022), Estonian stage, radio, television and film actress
Helene Dimmel, German head of the German Federation of the Deaf (1987-2001)
Helene Mapplebeck (1928-2011), birth name of Helene Palmer, an English actress best known for her portrayal of Ida Clough, a factory machinist in the long-running soap opera, Coronation Street (1978-1998)
Helene M. Morris, American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from Florida, 1964, 1972; Presidential Elector for Florida, 1972