Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Alannah
GirlIrish· “O child, a term of endearment”
- Meaning
- O child, a term of endearment
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- uh-LAN-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,674
- US babies 2025
- 123
- Best rank
- #763 (2015)
- Peak year
- 2015
Meaning and origin of Alannah
Alannah is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “O child, a term of endearment”.
Alannah is often linked to the Irish endearment a leanbh, meaning O child, anglicized as alanna, which was used affectionately for a daughter or child. It is also treated as a feminine form of Alan, a Celtic name of uncertain meaning. Alannah has been used in Ireland, Britain and Australia and is growing in the United States. The name has a tender meaning and a lilting sound. Spellings include Alanna and Alana, and Lana and Allie make simple nicknames.
Popularity over time
Alannah first appears in US Social Security records in 1948. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 14 different years, starting in 1990. Its best national rank was #763 in 2015, the same year it reached its highest count of 370 babies. In 2025, 123 babies were named Alannah, and it ranked #1,674 nationally. That is 67% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,551 in 2000, #969 in 2010, and #1,674 in 2025. Of the 7,392 US girls named Alannah since records began, 41% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 2,095 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Milania, Itzayana, Amaris, Tinley, and Yamileth.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Alannah ranked highest in South Carolina, Florida, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | #691 | 6 |
| Florida | #1001 | 15 |
| New Jersey | #1042 | 6 |
| Ohio | #1455 | 5 |
| California | #1493 | 15 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Alannah is usually pronounced uh-LAN-uh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with A and ends in “-ah”.
Middle names for Alannah
A few middle names that flow with Alannah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Alannah
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Lists that include Alannah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alannah mean?
Alannah is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “O child, a term of endearment”.
What is the origin of the name Alannah?
Alannah has Irish roots. Alannah is often linked to the Irish endearment a leanbh, meaning O child, anglicized as alanna, which was used affectionately for a daughter or child.
Is Alannah a popular name?
Not especially. Alannah ranked #1,674 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Alannah a boy or girl name?
Alannah is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Alannah?
Alannah 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