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Alanna

♀ Girl

Pronounced uh-LAN-uh /əˈlænə/High

Meaning: Dear child; fair, bright; little rockMedium

In 30 seconds: A warm Irish-Gaelic name with multiple meanings including 'dear child,' 'fair,' and 'little rock.' Alanna is melodic and affectionate — a name that sounds like a term of endearment because, in Irish, it essentially is one.
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Origin HighIrish, Gaelic
MeaningDear child; fair, bright; little rock
U.S. rank (2025)#280 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births1,099 girls (0.06% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 27,005

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519302025

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

History & Origin

Alanna is a feminine form of Alan or Alain, with competing etymologies: Celtic alan (little rock), Old High German adal (noble) combined with hari (army), or most romantically, from the Irish a leanbh (dear child). The name has been used in Ireland, Scotland, and Brittany for centuries in various forms.

In the United States, Alanna has been used since the mid-20th century and gained renewed attention in the 21st century as Celtic and Irish names experienced a broad revival. Its soft three-syllable flow and the embedded warmth of its Irish endearment reading make it a perennial favourite.

Did you know? In Irish, a leanbh means 'dear child' or 'my child' — a term of deep parental affection. Alanna is thought by some to derive from this phrase, making it one of the most tenderly meaningful names in the Irish tradition.
Overall data confidence 80%
Behind the Name — Alanna — etymology and Irish historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AlanaAlannahLana

Nicknames

LanaAnnieAl

Famous Bearers

  • ★Alanna Ubach (1975–present)
    American actress known for her voice role as Mamá Imelda in the Pixar film Coco.

If you like Alanna…

Lana— short form of Alanna sharing the same sound and Irish-rooted warmth
Nadia— melodic three-syllable European name with the same soft, affectionate feel
Brianna— Irish-feminine name with the same flowing three-syllable Celtic warmth
Sienna— soft three-syllable name with the same warm, vowel-rich romantic energy

Frequently Asked

What does the name Alanna mean?

Alanna has multiple proposed meanings in the Irish and Celtic tradition, including 'dear child' (from Irish a leanbh), 'fair' or 'bright,' and 'little rock.'

How do you pronounce Alanna?

It is said uh-LAN-uh /əˈlænə/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Alanna a boy or girl name?

Alanna is used almost exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Alanna?

Alanna has ranked in the U.S. top 500 for girls and is popular in Irish-heritage communities.