I much prefer
Ellen. The H seems to date the name in an unpleasant way. Though, the variant
Helene is gorgeous and carries none of the dated-ness of either
Ellen or
Helen.
I will also note that I think
Ellen is much more grounded than the popular
Elle and
Ella in vogue right now.
I would admittedly call either an
Ellen or a
Helen by the nickname
Ellie though.