Declining since 1985, #8,860 for girls today.
Popularity of Alaine since 1916
Babies named Alaine per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 20 |
| 1920s | 34 |
| 1930s | 44 |
| 1940s | 103 |
| 1950s | 166 |
| 1960s | 252 |
| 1970s | 139 |
| 1980s | 199 |
| 1990s | 156 |
| 2000s | 114 |
| 2010s | 140 |
| 2020s | 87 |
Meaning & origin
Alaine is a rare French-inspired name that saw its highest usage in 1967, when it ranked 8860. Since 1985, its popularity has steadily declined, and in 2025 it was given to only about 1 in 146,115 newborns. The name first appeared on U.S. records in 1916, suggesting it may have been an independent coinage or a variant of more established names like Elaine or Alana. While the name has never been common enough to appear in top state rankings, its soft, melodic sound appeals to parents seeking a unique alternative to Elaine or Alaina. Without attested famous bearers, Alaine remains a quiet, underused choice with a subtle French elegance.
Alaine is a French feminine variant of Alain, the French form of Alan. The name Alan is of debated origin, possibly meaning 'little rock' from Breton, or 'handsome' from Gaelic. Alaine emerged in the English-speaking world as a respelling or elaboration of Elaine, which itself is an Old French form of Helen, meaning 'torch' or 'light'. The name saw moderate use in the mid-20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Laine, Lainey, Al
Sibling names for Alaine
Names that share Alaine's style, for a brother or sister.
