Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Alaina
GirlBreton· “feminine form of Alan”
- Meaning
- feminine form of Alan (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Breton
- Pronunciation
- uh-LAY-nuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #224
- US babies 2025
- 1,366
- Best rank
- #156 (2011)
- Peak year
- 2011
Meaning and origin of Alaina
Alaina is often said to mean “feminine form of Alan”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Breton roots.
Alaina is usually seen as a feminine form of Alan, a name brought to England by Breton companions of William the Conqueror. The meaning of Alan is uncertain; suggestions include little rock and handsome. Alaina may also have been shaped by the French Alaine and by the similar-sounding Elaine. It became popular in the United States in the late twentieth century as an alternative to Alana. The name feels gentle and graceful, with a distinctive long a sound. Lainey is a sweet nickname, and it pairs well with short middle names.
Popularity over time
Alaina first appears in US Social Security records in 1946. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 48 different years, starting in 1978. Its best national rank was #156 in 2011, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,999 babies. In 2025, 1,366 babies were named Alaina, and it ranked #224 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #5,304 in 1950, #501 in 1980, #316 in 2000, #206 in 2010, and #224 in 2025. Of the 50,578 US girls named Alaina since records began, 34% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 12,350 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Lila, Elise, Makenzie, Kinley, and Izabella.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Alaina ranked highest in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Mississippi.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | #117 | 7 |
| Pennsylvania | #136 | 77 |
| Mississippi | #143 | 17 |
| Michigan | #145 | 57 |
| Ohio | #148 | 73 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Alaina is usually pronounced uh-LAY-nuh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with A and ends in “-na”.
Middle names for Alaina
A few middle names that flow with Alaina: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Alaina
Similar names
Alana Girl
uh-LAN-uh
“feminine form of Alan” · Breton
#140
Alanna Girl
uh-LAN-uh
“uncertain; feminine of Alan” · Irish
#280
Brianna Girl
bree-AN-uh
“feminine of Brian” · Irish
#222
Athena Girl
uh-THEE-nuh
Greek
#109
Ximena Girl
hee-MEH-nuh
“possibly from Simon, 'he has heard'” · Spanish
#183
Alina Girl
uh-LEE-nuh
“short form of Adelina, 'noble'” · Germanic
#130
Julianna Girl
joo-lee-AN-uh
“from Julius, possibly 'youthful'” · Latin
#398
Elliana Girl
el-ee-AH-nuh
“my God has answered” · Hebrew
#139
Alayna Girl
uh-LAY-nuh
“modern spelling of Alaina” · American (modern coinage)
#332
Mckenna Girl
muh-KEN-uh
“son of Cionaodh” · Irish
#410
Fiona Girl
fee-OH-nuh
“fair, white” · Scottish
#470
Selena Girl
suh-LEE-nuh
“moon” · Greek
#268
Lists that include Alaina
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alaina mean?
Alaina is often said to mean “feminine form of Alan”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Breton roots.
What is the origin of the name Alaina?
Alaina has Breton roots. Alaina is usually seen as a feminine form of Alan, a name brought to England by Breton companions of William the Conqueror.
Is Alaina a popular name?
Yes. Alaina ranked #224 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Alaina a boy or girl name?
Alaina is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Alaina?
Alaina is usually pronounced uh-LAY-nuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings