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Blaine

♂ Boy

Pronounced BLAYN /bleɪn/High

Meaning: From Scottish Gaelic Blaen or the personal name Blaan, possibly meaning yellow or possibly lean or thin; associated with Saint Blaan, a 6th-century Scottish missionary bishopMedium

In 30 seconds: Blaine is a cool, clean Scottish Gaelic name with medieval saintly roots. With its one-syllable crispness and a distinguished heritage, it suits parents who love Scottish names with a modern, streamlined feel.
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Origin MediumScottish Gaelic
MeaningFrom Scottish Gaelic Blaen or the personal name Blaan, possibly meaning yellow or possibly lean or thin; associated with Saint Blaan, a 6th-century Scottish missionary bishop
U.S. rank (2025)#992 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births230 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2001
Total births (all-time)≈ 33,073

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200118802025

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

History & Origin

Blaine or Blaan was a 6th-century saint who founded a monastery in what is now Dunblane, Scotland. The Gaelic name may mean yellow or be of uncertain origin. As a surname it spread through Scotland before entering American use as a given name.

Blaine entered widespread American use as a given name in the 19th century, partly through the political fame of James G. Blaine (1830–1893), a two-time Secretary of State and unsuccessful presidential candidate.

Did you know? Saint Blaan (also Blane), a 6th-century Scottish missionary bishop, gave the name its earliest historical foundation. The town of Dunblane in Scotland is named after him — meaning fort of Blaan — and his church there became an important medieval center of worship.
Overall data confidence 75%
Behind the Name — Blaine — Gaelic etymology and saint historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

BlaneBlain

Nicknames

Blay

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Blaine…

Blake— shares the one-syllable Scottish-influenced surname-name and modern appeal
Brant— same one-syllable strong masculine name with Old World heritage feel
Ross— same Scottish origin and crisp single-syllable masculine surname-name quality
Craig— same Scottish Gaelic origin and clean, confident one-syllable masculine feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Blaine mean?

Blaine possibly means yellow or lean from Scottish Gaelic, associated with the 6th-century saint Blaan who founded a church in Dunblane, Scotland.

How do you pronounce Blaine?

It is said BLAYN, as a single syllable.

Is Blaine a Scottish name?

Yes, Blaine is of Scottish Gaelic origin, connected to Saint Blaan of Dunblane and used as a surname and later as a given name.

Is Blaine a boy or girl name?

Blaine is primarily used as a boys name, though it is occasionally used as a unisex name.