Helene History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• England

Etymology of Helene

The name Helene is Anglo-Saxon in origin. It was a name 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

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

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Helene 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

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Helene were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: 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.