Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Elaina
GirlGreek, English· “form of Helen; often said to mean torch”
- Meaning
- form of Helen; often said to mean torch (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Greek, English
- Pronunciation
- ih-LAY-nuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #267
- US babies 2025
- 1,176
- Best rank
- #250 (2020)
- Peak year
- 2024
Meaning and origin of Elaina
Elaina is often said to mean “form of Helen; often said to mean torch”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek and English roots.
Elaina is a variant of Elena and Elaine, both forms of Helen. The meaning of the Greek Helene is uncertain; it is often associated with words for torch or light, and it has been linked to the moon goddess Selene, but no explanation is certain. Helen of Troy, famed for her beauty, made the name legendary in Greek myth. Elaina is a modern spelling that blends the sound of Elaine with the flowing ending of Elena. It feels soft and graceful, and Ellie, Lainey and Lana are possible nicknames.
Popularity over time
Elaina first appears in US Social Security records in 1941. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 53 different years, starting in 1964. Its best national rank was #250 in 2020, and the most babies received it in 2024, when 1,256 were named Elaina. In 2025, 1,176 babies were named Elaina, and it ranked #267 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,203 in 1950, #898 in 1980, #506 in 2000, #393 in 2010, and #267 in 2025. Of the 32,220 US girls named Elaina since records began, 33% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 7,214 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Amora, Collins, Ophelia, Lilith, and Cataleya.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Elaina ranked highest in Missouri, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri | #122 | 48 |
| West Virginia | #141 | 11 |
| Kentucky | #142 | 31 |
| Kansas | #150 | 22 |
| Indiana | #156 | 44 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Elaina is usually pronounced ih-LAY-nuh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with E and ends in “-na”.
Middle names for Elaina
A few middle names that flow with Elaina: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Elaina
Similar names
Georgina Girl
jawr-JEE-nuh
“farmer” · Greek
#689
Athena Girl
uh-THEE-nuh
Greek
#109
Helena Girl
HEH-luh-nuh
“uncertain; possibly torch or light” · Greek
#363
Melina Girl
meh-LEE-nuh
“possibly honey” · Greek
#660
Iliana Girl
il-ee-AH-nuh
“uncertain; possibly from Ilion or Helen” · Greek
#730
Elina Girl
eh-LEE-nuh
“form of Helen; meaning uncertain” · Finnish
#764
Elena Girl
eh-LAY-nuh
“form of Helen; meaning uncertain” · Greek
#42
Harmony Girl
HAHR-muh-nee
“agreement, concord” · Greek
#276
Selena Girl
suh-LEE-nuh
“moon” · Greek
#268
Briana Girl
bree-AH-nuh
“possibly high, noble” · Irish
#661
Christina Girl
krihs-TEE-nuh
“follower of Christ” · Latin
#770
Savanna Girl
suh-VA-nuh
“grassy plain” · Spanish
#1,090
Lists that include Elaina
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Elaina mean?
Elaina is often said to mean “form of Helen; often said to mean torch”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Greek and English roots.
What is the origin of the name Elaina?
Elaina has Greek and English roots. Elaina is a variant of Elena and Elaine, both forms of Helen.
Is Elaina a popular name?
Yes. Elaina ranked #267 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Elaina a boy or girl name?
Elaina is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Elaina?
Elaina is usually pronounced ih-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