Rising since 1994, #5,238 for girls today.
Popularity of Alania since 1970
Babies named Alania per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2013, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Alania's real moment was 2021.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 11 |
| 1980s | 67 |
| 1990s | 96 |
| 2000s | 187 |
| 2010s | 240 |
| 2020s | 140 |
Meaning & origin
Alania is a modern feminine name that first entered U.S. birth records in 1970. Its origins are uncertain, but it is likely a creative variation of the more established name Alana, possibly influenced by the suffix -ia that lends a melodic, feminine quality. The name has seen a steady rise in usage since 1994, reflecting a broader trend toward invented or adapted names that feel both familiar and fresh. In 2025, Alania ranked #5,238, with a 1-in-67,000 occurrence rate among newborn girls. Its peak year so far was 2021, suggesting growing but still niche appeal. While it hasn't yet concentrated in any particular region of the country, its gentle sound and flexible nickname options (like Lani) give it crossover potential. Parents drawn to names like Alaina or Alayna may find Alania a slightly more distinctive alternative.
The name Alania is a modern coinage, likely an elaboration of the name Alana, which itself may be a feminine form of Alan. Alan is of debated origin, possibly derived from the name of an ancient Iranian people, the Alans, or from a Celtic word meaning 'rock' or 'harmony'. Alania first appeared in U.S. records in 1970 and has been steadily rising in use since the 1990s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lani, Lana, Lea
Sibling names for Alania
Names that share Alania's style, for a brother or sister.
