Elena — the Spanish and Italian form of Helen, ultimately from the Greek Helene, associated with light or possibly with the Greek word for moon — is one of those names that manages to feel both classic and contemporary. It's the name of characters in The Vampire Diaries, Doctor Strange, and countless European novels. On a pet, it sounds like a full name chosen with care.
The Vampire Diaries Generation
Elena Gilbert was the central character of the CW series that ran 2009–2017, reaching peak cultural saturation with millennial viewers. Pet owners who watched the series in their teens or twenties are now in prime pet-owning years — and some of them named their animals after Elena. It's a softer fandom tribute than Cersei or Khaleesi, readable to outsiders as simply a beautiful name. Siamese cats with their dramatic personalities suit the reference.
Sound Elegance
Three syllables, open vowel ending, Mediterranean warmth. Elena flows easily in any calling context. The human name Elena has been rising in US data, which means the name reads as current rather than dated. Browse elegant options at pet names.
The Counter-Reading: Helen Variant Confusion
Elena/Helen/Eleanor/Elina — the variant cluster is large enough that some people assume Elena is a misspelling of one of the others. It isn't; it's a distinct name with distinct roots. A minor clarification that becomes routine.