Alba

♀ Girl

Pronounced AL-buh /ˈæl.bə/High

Meaning: White; dawn; from Latin alba (white, dawn), or from Celtic Alba (Scotland; literally 'white land')High

In 30 seconds: A radiant Latin name meaning 'white' or 'dawn,' from alba (white, the dawn sky). It is also the Gaelic name for Scotland ('white land') and is widely used in Italy and Spain. Known in the U.S. partly through actress Jessica Alba.

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Origin HighLatin, Spanish, Celtic

MeaningWhite; dawn; from Latin alba (white, dawn), or from Celtic Alba (Scotland; literally 'white land')

U.S. rank (2025)#1261 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births177 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 7,469

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Alba comes from Latin alba (white, feminine of albus: white), which also refers to the pre-dawn white light of the sky. The same root gives Albion (an ancient name for Britain) and Alba (Scotland in Gaelic). As a given name it has been used in Italy and Spain since at least the medieval period.

Alba is one of the most popular girls' names in Italy and Spain. In the U.S. it is found across Hispanic and Italian American communities and gained visibility through actress Jessica Alba. It ranked #1171 for girls in 2024.

Did you know? Alba is the Gaelic name for Scotland — Scots Gaelic speakers still call their country Alba. The Romans called the island Albion for the same reason: the white chalk cliffs of Dover, which were the first thing approaching sailors saw.

Overall data confidence 93%

Behind the Name — Alba — Latin/Celtic etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AlvaAlbia

Nicknames

AlAlbi

Famous Bearers

★Alba Flores (1986-)
Spanish actress known for Money Heist
★Alba Rohrwacher (1979-)
Italian film actress
★Alba Baptista (1997-)
Portuguese actress known for Warrior Nun

If you like Alba…

Aurora— Latin dawn name in the same luminous, white-sky tradition

Bianca— Italian name meaning white, the Italian counterpart

Stella— Latin star name with the same celestial, morning light imagery

Agnes— shares Alba's Latin roots

Abril— shares Alba's Latin roots

Explore names like Alba

By themelatin spanish two-syllable celtic dawn

By meaningLight Dawn / Morning

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Alba mean?

Alba means 'white' or 'dawn,' from Latin alba (white). It is also Alba, the Gaelic name for Scotland ('white land').

How do you pronounce Alba?

It's said AL-buh — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Alba a boy or girl name?

Alba is used as a girls' name.

How popular is Alba?

Alba ranked #1171 for U.S. girls in 2024.