Rising since 1985, #224 for girls today.
Popularity of Alaina since 1946
Babies named Alaina per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 24 |
| 1950s | 92 |
| 1960s | 415 |
| 1970s | 901 |
| 1980s | 4,404 |
| 1990s | 6,497 |
| 2000s | 12,350 |
| 2010s | 17,297 |
| 2020s | 8,598 |
Meaning & origin
Alaina entered U.S. naming records in 1946 and has since grown steadily in popularity. It reached its peak rank in 2011, reflecting a broader trend toward melodic, vowel-rich names ending in 'a'. Currently ranked 224th (as of 2025), the name is given to approximately 1 in every 1,177 baby girls. Its trajectory has been rising since 1985, and it has found particular favor in states like Delaware, South Dakota, and Maine. Alaina's appeal lies in its soft, feminine sound and its connection to both Irish and Greek roots, making it a versatile choice for modern parents.
Alaina is a modern English name, likely a variant of Alana (the feminine form of Alan) or Elena. The name Alan is of uncertain origin, possibly derived from a Celtic word for 'rock' or 'harmony'. Elena, a form of Helen, comes from the Greek 'helene' meaning 'torch' or 'light'. Alaina emerged in the mid-20th century as a popular choice in the United States, often used as a feminine given name with a melodic quality.
Where Alaina is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Alaina” around the world
Where Alaina lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Laina, Lainey, Ala, Allie
Sibling names for Alaina
Names that share Alaina's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Elena, Maya, Nora, Avery, Lydia, Elise, Kaleah, Delaina, Keyona, Arieana, Jailine, Karessa, Malaina, Melaina, Zania, Jeylin, Kiannah, Loraina, Makalyn, Melyna, Dalicia, Jalaina, Alailah, Areona, Aylanie, Carrina, Cierah, Cierria, Jalayna, Janaiah, Jannae, Lailanie, Laylonie, Lelaina, Mahaila, Mekaila, Milayna, Tamerra
Names like Alaina
Names whose popularity has moved with Alaina's over the last 50 years.
