Rising since 1991, #1,458 for girls today.
Popularity of Laine since 1934
Babies named Laine per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1930s | 5 | 0 |
| 1940s | 19 | 0 |
| 1950s | 141 | 117 |
| 1960s | 135 | 153 |
| 1970s | 181 | 94 |
| 1980s | 559 | 122 |
| 1990s | 545 | 288 |
| 2000s | 833 | 423 |
| 2010s | 849 | 474 |
| 2020s | 784 | 391 |
Meaning & origin
Laine has been rising in popularity since the early 1990s, reflecting a broader trend toward short, vowel-heavy unisex names. In 2025, it ranked 1458th in the U.S., with a 1-in-10934 birth rate. Its peak came in 2022, showing sustained interest. The name was first recorded in 1934, but its current trajectory is clearly upward. Geographically, Laine shows the highest relative usage in Arkansas, Maryland, and Minnesota. As a variant of Elaine, Laine carries the legacy of Helen of Troy, but its sleek, modern sound appeals to parents today. The name strikes a balance between classic roots and contemporary style.
Laine originated as a Finnish surname but in English use it is primarily a shortened form of Elaine, which itself derives from Old French Aliene, from Latin Helena, from Greek Helene. The name's meaning is debated, often cited as 'torch' or 'moon', with possible connection to helios 'sun'. In Finnish, Laine means 'wave'. The name gained moderate use as a given name in the United States, particularly for girls, from the early 20th century, often as a variant of Lane or a feminine form of Lain.
Where Laine 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lainey, Lainie, Lai
Sibling names for Laine
Names that share Laine's style, for a brother or sister.
