Declining since 2014, #2,410 for girls today.
Popularity of Laina since 1906
Babies named Laina per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 51 |
| 1920s | 0 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 56 |
| 1960s | 204 |
| 1970s | 236 |
| 1980s | 358 |
| 1990s | 411 |
| 2000s | 789 |
| 2010s | 970 |
| 2020s | 489 |
Meaning & origin
Laina is a name with dual origins, possibly rooted in Finnish (where it means 'loan') or as a variant of Elena, meaning 'bright, shining light' from Greek Helene. First recorded in the U.S. in 1906, Laina saw its peak popularity in 2013, when it ranked notably higher. Since 2014, its use has been gradually declining. Among the top states for this name are New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York, reflecting a concentration in the Northeast. While never common, Laina has a steady presence, with 1 in every 21,720 girls receiving the name in 2025. Its soft sound and simple spelling make it an approachable choice for parents seeking a less common alternative to Lena or Lana.
Laina is a Finnish name meaning 'loan' or could be a variant of Elena, from Greek Helene meaning 'torch' or 'moon'. In English, it may have emerged as a modern respelling of Lana or a diminutive of names like Elaine or Helena. Its use in the United States dates back to at least 1906, with a peak in popularity around 2013.
Where Laina is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Laina” around the world
Where Laina lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
95
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lai, Lainie, Lala
Sibling names for Laina
Names that share Laina's style, for a brother or sister.
