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Origin and meaning of the name Marie-helene

What is the origin of the name Marie-helene?

Marie-Hélène is a bilingual French given name, composed of Marie (of Latin origin, meaning "bitter" or "rebellious") and Hélène (also of Greek origin, derived from Helen, meaning "light" or "sun"). The combination of both names is popular in French-speaking countries. It's important to note that the specific variation Marie-Hélène could have different origins depending on the region and family history. Some families may have chosen this name based on personal preferences or historical influences, while others might have specifically decided to give their child a bilingual name for cultural reasons. However, without additional context or information about a specific individual named Marie-Hélène, it's impossible to provide a more detailed explanation of its origins.

Learn more about the origin of the name Marie-helene

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Marie-helene

Marie-Hélène is a bilingual French given name, derived from the names Maria (Latin for 'bitter' or 'rebellious') and Hélène (Greek for 'sun'). The name Marie, which translates to Mary in English, is a popular Christian name with roots in the New Testament, where Mary was the mother of Jesus. Hélène, on the other hand, has ancient origins as well, with Helena of Adiabene being a famous historical figure. The combination of these two names, Marie-Hélène, creates a feminine and sophisticated moniker that remains popular in French-speaking countries to this day. It symbolizes a union of tradition and modernity, reflecting the name's rich history and cultural significance.

Character traits associated with the name Marie-helene

Marie-Hélène is often characterized by a blend of intelligence, creativity, and compassion. She is known for her strong analytical skills, which allow her to approach problems with a logical and thoughtful perspective. This trait, coupled with her natural curiosity, drives her to seek out new knowledge and challenges. Creativity is another defining characteristic of Marie-Hélène, as she often thinks outside the box and brings fresh ideas to any task or project she undertakes. Beyond her intellectual abilities, Marie-Hélène is also known for her empathetic nature. She values emotional intelligence and takes a genuine interest in others' feelings, making her an excellent listener and supporter. Overall, Marie-Hélène is a well-rounded individual who combines critical thinking, creativity, and compassion to achieve her goals and positively impact those around her.

Popularity of the name Marie-helene

Marie-Hélène is a bilingual French feminine name that originates from two separate names: Marie and Hélène. The name Marie, derived from Mary, has been a consistently popular choice worldwide due to its religious significance. Hélène, on the other hand, derives from Helena, a Greek name with historical roots in the Byzantine Empire.

In France, Marie-Hélène was particularly popular during the mid-20th century and ranked among the top 10 most common names for girls born between 1940 and 1960. However, over the past few decades, its popularity has significantly declined, with fewer babies receiving the name in recent years. As of today, while Marie remains a popular choice, Marie-Hélène is less frequently chosen, although it still retains some degree of sentimental value among certain demographics.

Famous people with the name Marie-helene

Marie-Hélène is a French name that has been borne by several notable individuals. One prominent figure is Marie-Hélène de Larcy (1926-2018), a French actress and model who gained fame for her roles in films like "Le Salaire de la peur" (1953) and "The Wages of Fear." Another well-known personality with this name is Marie-Hélène Amiot (born 1949), a French diplomat and politician who served as France's Ambassador to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) from 2008 to 2013. Additionally, Marie-Hélène Copeland (born 1957) is a Canadian violist and member of the famed Toronto-based chamber music ensemble Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra. These are just a few examples of individuals named Marie-Hélène who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.

Variations of the name Marie-helene

Marie-Hélène is a bilingual (French and English) given name, originating from two separate names: Marie and Hélène (or Helen). The name Marie is a French variant of the Hebrew name Miriam, which means "bitter" or "rebellious". On the other hand, Hélène or Helen derives from the Greek name Ἑλένη (Helene), meaning "shining light" or "bright torch". Marie-Hélène can be spelled in various ways depending on regional differences and personal preference, such as Mari-Helena, Marièle, Mary-Helen, or Mary-Hélène. In English-speaking countries, the name is often simplified to Mary Helen or Mary-Helen. It is a common French name, known for its elegance and femininity.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

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