Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Alana
GirlBreton· “feminine form of Alan”
- Meaning
- feminine form of Alan (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Breton
- Pronunciation
- uh-LAN-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #140
- US babies 2025
- 2,085
- Best rank
- #140 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2007
Meaning and origin of Alana
Alana is often said to mean “feminine form of Alan”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Breton roots.
Alana is generally treated as a feminine form of Alan, a name brought to England by Breton followers of William the Conqueror. The meaning of Alan itself is uncertain; suggestions include little rock and handsome, but none is firmly established. Alana has also been linked to an Irish term of endearment meaning child, and it happens to resemble a Hawaiian word, which adds to its appeal without settling its source. What is clear is its sound: soft, open and melodic. It fits easily alongside names like Aria and Elena, and spellings such as Alanna and Alaina are common.
Popularity over time
Alana first appears in US Social Security records in 1930. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 80 different years, starting in 1944. Its best national rank was #140 in 2025, and the most babies received it in 2007, when 2,461 were named Alana. In 2025, 2,085 babies were named Alana, and it ranked #140 nationally. That is 28% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #625 in 1950, #368 in 1980, #253 in 2000, #170 in 2010, and #140 in 2025. Of the 68,264 US girls named Alana since records began, 26% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 16,263 babies. Since 2010, 26,185 more have been named Alana.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Laila, Kylee, Kate, Marley, and Giselle.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Alana ranked highest in Florida, Hawaii, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | #43 | 299 |
| Hawaii | #69 | 10 |
| Texas | #82 | 311 |
| California | #99 | 294 |
| Illinois | #104 | 85 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Alana is usually pronounced uh-LAN-uh, with three syllables. It has five letters, starts with A and ends in “-na”.
Middle names for Alana
A few middle names that flow with Alana: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Alana
Similar names
Alaina Girl
uh-LAY-nuh
“feminine form of Alan” · Breton
#224
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 Alana
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alana mean?
Alana 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 Alana?
Alana has Breton roots. Alana is generally treated as a feminine form of Alan, a name brought to England by Breton followers of William the Conqueror.
Is Alana a popular name?
Yes. Alana ranked #140 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Alana a boy or girl name?
Alana is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Alana?
Alana is usually pronounced uh-LAN-uh. 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