Holding steady, #14,942 for girls today.
Popularity of Alene since 1883
Babies named Alene per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 16 |
| 1890s | 117 |
| 1900s | 309 |
| 1910s | 1,466 |
| 1920s | 2,351 |
| 1930s | 1,618 |
| 1940s | 1,044 |
| 1950s | 701 |
| 1960s | 385 |
| 1970s | 168 |
| 1980s | 172 |
| 1990s | 113 |
| 2000s | 127 |
| 2010s | 115 |
| 2020s | 46 |
Meaning & origin
Alene is a name that enjoyed its peak popularity in 1920, ranking among the top choices for girls during that era. Its first recorded use in U.S. data is 1883, and after a steady decline, it now sees fewer than 10 births per year nationally, with a current 1-in-321,453 incidence in 2025. The name is most often seen as a variant of Eileen or Helen, tying it to a long tradition of names meaning 'light'. Though it lacks a strong presence in recent decades, its vintage charm and straightforward pronunciation make it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with historical roots. The trajectory has been relatively stable in recent years, with no major revival trend.
Alene likely originated as a variant of Eileen (Irish form of Helen) or as a respelling of Aline, a French diminutive of Adelheid. The name Helen comes from Greek Helene, meaning 'torch' or 'light'. Alene was most popular in the early 20th century, particularly in the 1920s, and has since declined in use.
Where Alene 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lena, Allie
Sibling names for Alene
Names that share Alene's style, for a brother or sister.
