Ellen is a Medieval English form of Helen. Helen originates in Greek language and means "torch of light". In Greek mythology, Helen is a famous figure, known as Helen of Troy. She was a daughter of Zeus, described as a beautiful woman. Her abduction by Paris triggered off a series of events which finally ended in the Trojan War. In Christianity, Saint Helena is the one who found the relics of the True Cross upon which Jesus was crucified. Throughout centuries, Helen has been one of the most popular feminine given names.