Surname Helly - Meaning and Origin
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Helly: What does the surname Helly mean?
The last name Helly is of French origin and derived from the given name Hélie. The figure Hélie was a ninth-century Breton Count, and the name comes from the Latin term haele (“sun”). The name expresses the thought of fame, glory, or luminosity which might be acquired through living up to the example of the Count.
The name appears as “Helle” in many parts of Europe, with variations also found in France (Héllé, Hélley) as well as English (Helly and Hilly). Additionally, a form of the name can also be found in Russia and Ukraine, where it is known as "Gelley".
More recently, the last name Helly is recorded in the 18th century in Flanders, where it also appears as Hellimus, Hellymon, Hellymo, and Hellimon.
It is believed that, with the spread of the name, the original meaning has been lost over the years. However, one might still make the connection between “sun” and the hope of fame and greatness that often accompanies the name; an example that those bearing the name may take to heart as they strive for their own success.
Order DNA origin analysisHelly: Where does the name Helly come from?
The last name Helly is most common in Europe, particularly in France, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It is less common in other parts of the world. The surname is derived from the German word "Helle," which means bright or light.
In France, the surname is most commonly found in the regions of the Loire and Basque Country, indicating that the family originated in Germany and settled in those areas during the Middle Ages. In Germany, the name is mainly concentrated in the states of Berlin, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Hesse. In Austria, it is mainly found in the states of Upper and Lower Austria. In Switzerland, the surname is mostly found in the cantons of Geneva, Zurich, Basel, and Lucerne.
The Helly surname may also be found in other parts of the world, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where it has been adopted by immigrants from Europe. Additionally, people with this surname can be found in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America that were formerly under colonial rule.
Overall, the Helly surname is mostly associated with regions of Europe, where it has been present for centuries. In recent decades, however, it has spread throughout the world due to migration and intermarriage between different regions and nationalities.
Variations of the surname Helly
The surname Helly is believed to be of French origin. It is derived from the given name HELI, which is the Germanic form of the biblical name Heli (or Eli). The variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for Helly are as follows:
• HELLY: Also spelt as HELLEY and HELLIE.
• HELLIER: Alternative spelling of Helly.
• HALLY: Alternatively spelled as HALY. Variations include HALEY, HAILLY, HALLYE and HALLIE.
• ELIE: Variations include ELI, ELLY, ELLEY, ELLEE, ELIA, ELLIA, ELY and ELLIE.
• HOULÉ: French variant of HELLY.
• HÉLI: French version of the given name HELI, from which the surname Helly is derived.
• HÉLIE: French variant of HÉLI.
• HOULAVILLE: A surname which is derived from the village name Houlaville in Normandy. It is believed to derive from the French surname HOULÉ, which is itself derived from HELLY.
• LELIE: Variant from the Dutch diminutive form of the given name LELLE.
• HELLEN: This variation is derived from the Greek name helénē, meaning ‘light’ or ‘torch’.
• HALLEN: An English version of the given name HELLEN.
• HELEN: An anglicised version of the given name HELLEN.
• HELON: Frequently occurred as a derivative of the given name HELLEN, and is likely to have originated from the French form of the given name HELI.
• HELENUS: Latinised form of HELLEN.
• HAL: An English surname derived from the given name HELI, from which the surname Helly is derived.
Famous people with the name Helly
- Paul Helly: Freestyle swimmer and winner of the bronze medal at the 2000 Summer Olympic Games
- Nathalie Helly: French television actress best known for her roles in Bienvenue Chez Les Chtis and Les Passagers
- Richard Helly: American mathematician known for his contributions to probability theory
- Tony Helly: Former professional basketball player in the United States and Canada
- Marilyn Helly: American artist and educator
- Frédérique Helly: French avant-garde, experimental and sound documentary filmmaker
- Élisabeth Helly: French politician from the Union pour un mouvement populaire party
- Victor Helly: French comic book author and artist
- Lidwine Helly: French art historian and curator
- Jean-Charles Helly: French sculptor and painter