Declining since 2007, #10,917 for girls today.
Popularity of Alin since 1985
Babies named Alin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 5 | 10 |
| 1990s | 46 | 24 |
| 2000s | 237 | 73 |
| 2010s | 141 | 32 |
| 2020s | 77 | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Alin is a name with a gentle sound and mixed heritage, used for both boys and girls in the United States since the late 1980s. First recorded in 1988, the name saw its peak popularity in 2007, when it reached its highest rank. Since then, its usage has been steadily declining, reflecting a broader trend away from less common names. While its etymology is debated, its Romanian connection gives it a unique, multicultural appeal. In 2025, approximately 1 in 200,908 infants were named Alin, placing it far from the mainstream but familiar to those seeking a soft, international name. The name has not been strongly associated with any particular state, suggesting a diffuse usage across the country.
Alin is a name of unclear derivation. In English-speaking contexts, it may be a variant of Alan, which itself has debated Celtic or Breton origins. In Romanian, Alin is a given name, often used as a short form of Alina or derived from the verb 'a alina' meaning 'to soothe' or 'to calm.' The name has been used in the United States since the late 20th century, gaining moderate popularity in the 2000s.
Sibling names for Alin
Names that share Alin's style, for a brother or sister.

