the meaning of word Ellas or Eallada

Stefan   Fri Jul 25, 2008 1:57 pm GMT
Greeks call thair country Ellas or Ellada. Somebody knows the meanin of those word and does the name Elena/Elene have the same meaning
K. T.   Sat Jul 26, 2008 12:33 am GMT
http://www.dolphin-hellas.gr/Greece_Hellas.htm

Has information in English about this word. I say it "Ellenika", but "Hellinka" is the name for the greek language.

"Elena" is the word for "Helen"...there are many variations of this name. I read that the origin is Greek and the word means "torch", but maybe the smart greek lady who drops in here once in awhile can shed some light on that. I mean Calliope, of course. Source for Helen is Webster's dictionary.
K. t.   Sat Jul 26, 2008 12:36 am GMT
Sorry, that should be "Hellinika"