Helena is the preferred name of Brazilians when registering their children; see the list

For the first time, the name Helena It was the favorite of Brazilians when it came to registering their children.

This is all the charm of someone who has just arrived into the world. Small and fragile in appearance, but already grand in the name chosen by her parents.

“This here is Helena Franco Lima, our princess. Our second princess”, says the mother.

There are those who wait to see the baby’s face, those who are inspired by religion, loved ones, admired people, historical characters or soap operas.

“There was an author who only wrote… His main characters were named Helena. And Helena is just beautiful Helena”, says Everton.

Author Manuel Carlos created his, but for two months, Everton and Roberta only have eyes for their Helena.

“For me it’s a strong name, it’s a beautiful name, it’s a simple name. Easy to speak and write”, says graphic designer Roberta Miazaki, Helena’s mother.

And they’re not the only ones who think it’s beautiful. Helena displaced Miguel and is the most registered name in Brazil in 2024. Miguel, who led the last four years, came in second place, followed by Gael, Ravi e Theo.

Given shortly after birth, the name ends up being an important part of people’s identity. And for much of history, what was recorded by parents was immutable or very difficult to change. It’s not like that anymore. Many people still don’t know, but since 2022 it has been possible to include, add, invert or change first and last names.

“From the age of 18, make the change directly at any civil registry office. Before, I had to justify the reason, say why I didn’t like that name, it had to be a judicial process, and today it is completely administrative before the civil registry office”, says Karine Boselli, vice-president of Arpen-SP.

Helena is an example of these new times of more freedom. Her parents broke tradition and her last name is her mother’s and not her father’s. And it is the mother of one of the youngest Helenas in Brazil who sends her loving message to everyone:

“We hope for a life full of health and lots of victories and achievements. So for us and for all the Helenas and all the babies born this year.”

Ranking of the 10 most registered names in 2024:

1. Helena – 22,533 records
2. Miguel – 22,142 records
3. Gael – 19,883 records
4. Ravi – 19,121 records
5. Theo – 18,493 records
6. Heitor – 17,726 records
7. Cecilia – 17,416 records
8. Arthur – 16,872 records
9. Noah – 16,236 records
10. Maite – 16,197 records

Ranking of the 10 most registered male names in 2024:

1. Miguel – 22,142 records
2. Gael – 19,883 records
3. Ravi – 19,121 records
4. Theo – 18,493 records
5. Heitor – 17,726 records
6. Arthur – 16,872 records
7. Noah – 16,236 records
8. David – 15,601 records
9. Bernardo – 14,398 records
10. Samuel – 12,861 records

Ranking of the 10 most registered female names in 2024:

1. Helena – 22,533 records
2. Cecilia – 17,416 records
3. Maite – 16,197 records
4. Alice – 14,518 records
5. Laura – 14,217 records
6. Maria Cecilia – 13,954 records
7. Maria Alice – 12724 records
8. Aurora – 11,031 records
9. Antonella – 9,723 records
10. Isis – 9,524 records