Declining since 2012, #2,645 for girls today.
Popularity of Alanah since 1984
Babies named Alanah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 58 |
| 1990s | 508 |
| 2000s | 1,436 |
| 2010s | 1,662 |
| 2020s | 562 |
Meaning & origin
Alanah is a modern feminine name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1984 and reached its highest popularity in 2012 when it ranked 2,645. By 2025, it was given to about 1 in 24,727 baby girls, reflecting a steady decline since its peak. The name's usage is concentrated in states like North Carolina, Ohio, and Florida. While its exact origins are debated, the name is generally considered a variant of Alannah or a feminine form of Alan, drawing on both English and Irish traditions.
Alanah is a modern feminine name likely derived from Alan, which has debated origins possibly from an Old Breton word for 'rock' or from an Irish word meaning 'harmony'. It is also considered a variant of Alannah, an Irish name meaning 'darling child'. The name gained visibility in the United States starting in the 1980s, and its peak usage was in 2012.
Where Alanah is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Alanah” around the world
Where Alanah lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lana, Lani, Ally, Lannah
Sibling names for Alanah
Names that share Alanah's style, for a brother or sister.
