By birth, she was a member of the Croatian Nelipić noble family, having estates in Dalmatian Zagora.
Her father was son of Ivan I Nelipac, and her mother Margareta was descended from the noble family Merini of Split.
Her brother Ivan III Nelipac was Ban of Croatia who ruled from mountain Velebit to Cetina river.
[1] Hrvoje Vukčić Hrvatinić was Herceg of Split, Grand Duke of Bosnia and Knyaz of Donji Kraji.
Being a wealthy widow left in charge with her late husband's territories, Jelena immediately became subject of marriage proposals.