My name, Eleni, is unique to Southern New Mexico and most of the United States. Many people I meet have difficulties pronouncing my name and spelling it (eh-leh-nee). Since Kindergarten, I have taught teachers how to pronounce my name during roll call. Whenever the teacher is stuck while reading the list of names, 99% of the time it’s my name. Once learning how to pronounce my name, teachers and classmates’ next goal is knowing me.
The Greek origin means light or shining light. I have seen myself as a “shining light” not only in guiding others how to pronounce my name, but also my name’s history, and as a daughter. The most well-known Eleni’s in Ancient Greece was Helen* of Troy. In his poem, The Iliad, poet Homer describes Helen as glorious and beautiful. Her beauty led to her abduction and the Trojan War.
The history of Christianity also has a famous Eleni- Saint Helena (Flavia Iulia Helena Augusta). She was the mother of Saint Constantine the Great, the Emperor of Byzantine Empire. She is known for finding Christ’s cross. She is honored on May 21st, her nameday and mine.
I hope that I have guided my parents to patience, love and acceptance. My siblings and I have taught my parents patience; because we haven’t been the easiest children to raise. Both of my parents made sacrifices in order for their children to have lives full of love, happiness and fortune. My parents were the first people to accept their children for who we are, no changes. My siblings and I are the lights at the end of a dark path of sacrifices and hard work.
I was named after my paternal grandmother (my Yiayia). She was the sweetest and most loving person I have ever known. I saw her as a saint. She was the most religious and forgiving person in my life. She was the bright light whenever any family member felt sad. She cooked the best traditional Greek-Cypriot meals: Pastitsio, Dolmades, homemade bread, potatoes, Keftedes, salad, etc.
Many of my Greek-Cypriot relatives and Greek friends I visit address me as “Helen” or “Elena.” Both groups of people have been conditioned to believe that since I was born and raised in the United States, I go by my Anglicized names. Although my relatives and friends mean well, I feel like an outsider. My Greek-Cypriot father regretted not teaching me Greek; I now regret having no interest in learning the language and culture. I want to be seen as a Greek-Cypriot, not just as an American.
I am always excited to meet another Eleni in the United States. I still see my name as unique. The other Eleni’s I have met feel the same. All other Eleni’s I have met are strong, independent women; what I strive to be. One Eleni I have known since childhood stated, “If a family doesn’t name their daughter Eleni, they made a mistake.” She is proud of her name and Greek heritage.
“Eleni” is a title of a song by Greek-Cypriot singer, Anna Vissi. The song is about a young girl who died. Vissi knew the girl personally. Even if listeners don’t understand the Greek lyrics, all listeners will feel the emotion of Vissi’s voice and music. Eleni’s memory is eternal in this melancholy song.
My goal is to live up to the legacy of my name meaning and the Eleni’s who have lived before me. The new meaning of Eleni should be: feminist, strong, activist, independent, intelligent. I want my light to be the guide for Eleni’s of future generations. Maybe I will launch a revolution.
*Helen is the Anglicized name for Eleni.