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I know that the stress is on the first syllable in Italy and Greece. I wasn't aware it was that way anywhere else. Then again, there is no one correct pronunciation for any name. I pronounce mine eh-LAY-nuh and I'd say most people get it right (95%). The only EH-leh-nuh I've ever gotten was the automated voice from CVS telling me my prescription was ready. ;-) I've a friend from Puerto Rico and when I asked her how she pronounced my name she looked at me a little oddly and then pronounced it the way I do. Again, no one correct pronunciation. I've never known anyone with the name although I did overhear (a year or so ago) a mom in the store calling her dd (about 10 years old). She pronounced it eh-LEN-uh.

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With Helena, I've only known one. We grew up together and she pronounced it heh-LAY-nuh. I'd say I prefer HEH-len-uh, however, the first pronunciation is my default.

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I pronounce Alaina and Elaina the same (uh-LAY-nuh) and have known one of each. BTW, this topic has been on the board several times so if you look in the archives, it may be helpful to you (give you a more complete idea of how others pronounce the names). I'm from the Southeastern US, BTW.