A 1940s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Elane since 1915
Babies named Elane per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1950, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Elane's real moment was 1943.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 28 |
| 1920s | 83 |
| 1930s | 84 |
| 1940s | 150 |
| 1950s | 150 |
| 1960s | 114 |
| 1970s | 56 |
| 1980s | 44 |
| 1990s | 39 |
| 2000s | 42 |
| 2010s | 5 |
| 2020s | 11 |
Meaning & origin
The name Elane saw its peak in 1943, reflecting the broader mid-century popularity of Elaine and similar variants. Although it never entered the top 1000, its trajectory has been rising since 2020, suggesting a modest revival. The name's simplicity and melodic sound appeal to parents seeking a familiar yet uncommon choice. Without a single top state attachment, Elane has been scattered across the U.S., never clustering strongly in any region. Its first recorded use was in 1915, positioning it as a 20th-century coinage rather than an ancient classic. The revival trend since 2020 hints at renewed interest, likely driven by the vintage resurgence of names like Ellen and Eleanor.
Elane is a modern spelling variant of Elaine, which itself derives from the Old French form of Helen. The name Helen comes from the Greek Helene, likely meaning 'torch' or 'light'. Elane emerged as a simplified spelling in the early 20th century, gaining modest use in the United States, particularly during the 1940s.
“Elane” around the world
Where Elane lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lane, Ela
Sibling names for Elane
Names that share Elane's style, for a brother or sister.
