A 1940s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Elaine since 1880
Babies named Elaine per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 41 |
| 1890s | 239 |
| 1900s | 783 |
| 1910s | 8,576 |
| 1920s | 34,907 |
| 1930s | 41,108 |
| 1940s | 60,105 |
| 1950s | 54,232 |
| 1960s | 27,466 |
| 1970s | 9,779 |
| 1980s | 7,112 |
| 1990s | 5,441 |
| 2000s | 4,138 |
| 2010s | 4,384 |
| 2020s | 4,579 |
Meaning & origin
Elaine, a name of French origin derived from Helen, has a history of steady use in the United States since 1880. It reached its peak popularity in 1945, when it ranked among the top names for girls. After a period of decline, the name has been rising again since 2009, showing renewed interest. Elaine is relatively common in states like Delaware, Iowa, and South Dakota. Its graceful sound and literary associations give it a classic appeal without feeling dated.
Elaine is a French variant of Helen, which derives from the Greek Helene, of uncertain etymology but often connected to helios (sun) or helane (torch). The name appears in Arthurian legend as the mother of Sir Galahad, and later gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Where Elaine 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.
“Elaine” around the world
Where Elaine lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lainey, Laney, Elle, Ella
Sibling names for Elaine
Names that share Elaine's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Margaret, Evelyn, Clara, Audrey, Beatrice, Dorothy, Frances, Lainie, Lorinda, Guinevere, Loreen, Aileene, Larayne, Marlea, Raymona, Eloyce, Jillaine, Lorice, Lurine, Marlaine, Avonne, Ardine, Chevette, Elmarie, Genean, Jalaine, Jillayne, Loriene, Lorrane, Marilene, Nimue
Brothers: Arthur, Edward, Francis, Lawrence, Victor, Russell, Rand, Denzil, Edrick, Donley, Lancelot, Melven, Alric, Glenard, Lealand, Edwing, Elward, Lemoine, Meliodas
Names like Elaine
Names whose popularity has moved with Elaine's over the last 50 years.
