A 1920s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Elayne since 1912
Babies named Elayne per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1946, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Elayne's real moment was 1925.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 128 |
| 1920s | 761 |
| 1930s | 531 |
| 1940s | 740 |
| 1950s | 538 |
| 1960s | 306 |
| 1970s | 145 |
| 1980s | 141 |
| 1990s | 197 |
| 2000s | 175 |
| 2010s | 255 |
| 2020s | 197 |
Meaning & origin
Elayne is a feminine name that saw its peak popularity in 1925, when it ranked highest among U.S. births. After a period of decline, it has been slowly rising in use since 1985, reflecting a broader revival of vintage names from the early 20th century. As of 2025, the name is given to roughly 1 in every 40,182 newborn girls, placing it at rank 3,712. It is most frequently chosen in Texas and California, states that often lead in reviving classic names with a literary or romantic flair. While never extremely common, Elayne offers a slightly more distinctive spelling of the familiar Elaine, appealing to parents drawn to names with a soft, elegant sound and a touch of Arthurian legend.
Elayne is a variant of Elaine, itself an Old French form of Helen. The name Helen derives from the Greek Helene, which is associated with helios (sun) and often interpreted as 'torch' or 'light.' In Arthurian legend, Elaine appears as a maiden in the tales of Lancelot and the Holy Grail. The spelling Elayne gained some use in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States.
Where Elayne is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lainey, Lane, Ella
Sibling names for Elayne
Names that share Elayne's style, for a brother or sister.
