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Alaina

♀ Girl

Pronounced uh-LAY-nuh /əˈleɪ.nə/High

Meaning: Feminine form of Alan; meaning uncertain, possibly 'little rock,' 'precious,' or of Celtic/Breton originMedium

In 30 seconds: A graceful feminine form of Alan, meaning perhaps 'little rock' or 'precious.' Its soft three-syllable flow and warm ending have made it a rising alternative to Elena and Elaine.
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Origin MediumOld French, Irish Gaelic
MeaningFeminine form of Alan; meaning uncertain, possibly 'little rock,' 'precious,' or of Celtic/Breton origin
Peak year2011
Total births (all-time)≈ 38,843

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201119462017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Alaina is a feminine form of Alan (also Alain), a name of uncertain Celtic or Breton origin. Possible meanings include 'little rock,' 'precious,' or 'fair, handsome.' The Alaina spelling is an Americanization that softens the traditional Alaine or Elaine ending. It blends the melodic -aina ending popularized by names like Lena and Elena.

Alaina has been in the U.S. top 500 girls' names since the early 2000s and has risen steadily. It appeals to parents who want a name that is elegant and feminine without being overly common. It is associated with country music through Lauren Alaina, the American Idol runner-up (2011).

Did you know? Country singer Alaina Reed and American Idol alumna Lauren Alaina have both helped keep this name in the public eye — and country music has always been a powerful force in American naming.

Variations

ElaineAlaineAlaynaElena

Nicknames

AllieLainaLana

Famous Bearers

  • ★Lauren Alaina (b. 1994)
    American country singer and American Idol Season 10 runner-up.

If you like Alaina…

Elena— same flowing vowel-rich sound, classic feminine form
Layla— similar melodic three-syllable feminine name

Frequently Asked

What does the name Alaina mean?

Alaina is a feminine form of Alan, whose meaning is uncertain but possibly means 'little rock,' 'precious,' or 'fair' from Celtic roots.

How do you pronounce Alaina?

Alaina is pronounced uh-LAY-nuh (/əˈleɪ.nə/) — three syllables with stress on the second.

Is Alaina a boy or girl name?

Alaina is used exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Alaina?

Alaina has been a rising top-500 U.S. girls' name since the 2000s, now climbing into the top 300.