Declining since 2014, #2,458 for girls today.
Popularity of Alanis since 1995
Babies named Alanis per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 594 |
| 2000s | 1,066 |
| 2010s | 1,148 |
| 2020s | 585 |
Meaning & origin
Alanis first entered U.S. birth records in 1995, coinciding with the breakthrough of singer Alanis Morissette. It reached its peak rank of 2,458 in 2013, a year when 1 in 22,323 girls received the name. Since 2014, its usage has been falling, reflecting a departure from the 1990s alt-rock inspired naming trend. The name is most common in New Jersey, Florida, and New York. As a feminine elaboration of Alan, it carries a melodic, modern feel that appealed to parents seeking a distinctive yet familiar-sounding name.
Alanis is a feminine elaboration of the name Alan. Alan itself is of uncertain origin, possibly deriving from a Celtic word for 'little rock' or from a Breton saint's name. The name gained modern attention through the Canadian singer Alanis Morissette, whose 1995 album sparked its use as a given name.
Where Alanis is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lani, Ani
Sibling names for Alanis
Names that share Alanis's style, for a brother or sister.
