Ellen f. Greek Ἑλένη. The ultimate root of this name is uncertain, and the first attestation of the name in Greek is in Homer's Iliad.
The name of a 4th C Roman saint and empress consort, a 4th C Welsh saint, an 11th C Swedish queen consort, and a 12th C Swedish saint.
The popularity of the French form Elaine was influenced by various characters of this name appearing in medieval Arthurian romances.
The English form Elyn is witnessed in 1379 in the relational byname Elyndoghter (WRYPT1 p. 166).