Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Alanna
GirlIrish, Breton· “uncertain; feminine of Alan”
- Meaning
- uncertain; feminine of Alan (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish, Breton
- Pronunciation
- uh-LAN-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #280
- US babies 2025
- 1,099
- Best rank
- #280 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Alanna
Alanna is often said to mean “uncertain; feminine of Alan”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and Breton roots.
Alanna is generally considered a feminine form of Alan, a Breton and Celtic name whose meaning is uncertain; suggestions include little rock and handsome. Some also link it to the Irish phrase a leanbh, meaning O child, a term of endearment. Because several explanations exist, the name's precise meaning is best treated as open. Alanna has been used in English-speaking countries since the twentieth century and has a soft, lyrical sound. Spellings include Alana and Alannah. Lana and Lanna are gentle nicknames, and it pairs nicely with both short and long middle names.
Popularity over time
Alanna first appears in US Social Security records in 1930. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 52 different years, starting in 1974. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #280, and its highest count, 1,099 babies. Use has grown 77% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #1,324 in 1950, #685 in 1980, #498 in 2000, #520 in 2010, and #280 in 2025. Of the 27,012 US girls named Alanna since records began, 23% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 5,843 babies. Since 2010, 10,319 more have been named Alanna.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Sylvie, Azalea, Julieta, Meadow, and Alessia.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Alanna ranked highest in Florida, Texas, and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | #142 | 124 |
| Texas | #194 | 171 |
| New York | #194 | 85 |
| New Jersey | #205 | 40 |
| Massachusetts | #209 | 27 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Alanna is usually pronounced uh-LAN-uh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with A and ends in “-na”.
Middle names for Alanna
A few middle names that flow with Alanna: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Alanna
Similar names
Brianna Girl
bree-AN-uh
“feminine of Brian” · Irish
#222
Alana Girl
uh-LAN-uh
“feminine form of Alan” · Breton
#140
Alaina Girl
uh-LAY-nuh
“feminine form of Alan” · Breton
#224
Mckenna Girl
muh-KEN-uh
“son of Cionaodh” · Irish
#410
Fiona Girl
fee-OH-nuh
“fair, white” · Scottish
#470
Makenna Girl
muh-KEN-uh
“son of Cionaodh” · Irish
#593
Briana Girl
bree-AH-nuh
“possibly high, noble” · Irish
#661
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
Lists that include Alanna
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alanna mean?
Alanna is often said to mean “uncertain; feminine of Alan”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and Breton roots.
What is the origin of the name Alanna?
Alanna has Irish and Breton roots. Alanna is generally considered a feminine form of Alan, a Breton and Celtic name whose meaning is uncertain; suggestions include little rock and handsome.
Is Alanna a popular name?
Yes. Alanna ranked #280 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Alanna a boy or girl name?
Alanna is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Alanna?
Alanna 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