Declining since 1987, #2,833 for boys today.
Popularity of Alain since 1942
Babies named Alain per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 53 |
| 1950s | 183 |
| 1960s | 358 |
| 1970s | 457 |
| 1980s | 738 |
| 1990s | 676 |
| 2000s | 656 |
| 2010s | 583 |
| 2020s | 276 |
Meaning & origin
Alain is the French form of Alan, a name that has seen modest use in the United States since its first recorded appearance in 1942. Its peak popularity occurred in 1988, and it has been on a declining trajectory since 1987. In 2025, Alain ranked 2833rd overall, with an incidence of about 1 in 38,820 newborns. The name is most common in states like Florida, Texas, and California, reflecting its appeal in areas with larger French-American communities. While never a top-tier choice, Alain has maintained a consistent, if niche, presence for decades, favored by parents seeking a classic French name with a simple yet elegant sound.
Alain is the French form of Alan, a name of uncertain origin. The most widely accepted theory traces it to the Breton word 'alan' meaning 'little rock' or 'harmony.' It gained popularity in medieval France through Saint Alain, a 7th-century Breton bishop. The name has been consistently used in French-speaking regions and occasionally in English-speaking countries.
Where Alain is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Alain” around the world
Where Alain lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Alain
Names that share Alain's style, for a brother or sister.
