Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Elana
GirlHebrew· “tree (variant of Ilana)”
- Meaning
- tree (variant of Ilana)
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- eh-LAH-nuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,982
- US babies 2025
- 97
- Best rank
- #886 (1960)
- Peak year
- 2006
Meaning and origin of Elana
Elana is a Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “tree (variant of Ilana)”.
Elana is generally taken as a variant of the Hebrew Ilana, meaning 'tree', a name that became popular in modern Israel along with other nature names. The spelling Elana also overlaps with Elena and Alana, so some families choose it for its sound across several languages. It has a soft, flowing quality and works easily in English, Hebrew and Spanish settings. Elana feels gentle without being fussy. Ellie, Lana and Ela are natural nicknames, and Ilana remains the most direct Hebrew form.
Popularity over time
Elana first appears in US Social Security records in 1934. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 2 different years, starting in 1960. Its best national rank was #886 in 1960, and the most babies received it in 2006, when 219 were named Elana. In 2025, 97 babies were named Elana, and it ranked #1,982 nationally. That is 34% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,462 in 1950, #1,113 in 1980, #1,232 in 2000, #1,400 in 2010, and #1,982 in 2025. Of the 8,909 US girls named Elana since records began, 20% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 1,494 babies. Since 2010, 2,116 more have been named Elana.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Annaliese, Natali, Anisa, Jaci, and Samaya.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Elana ranked highest in Georgia, Illinois, and North Carolina.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | #1251 | 7 |
| Illinois | #1290 | 6 |
| North Carolina | #1519 | 5 |
| Florida | #1744 | 7 |
| Texas | #2082 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Elana is usually pronounced eh-LAH-nuh, with three syllables. It has five letters, starts with E and ends in “-na”.
Middle names for Elana
A few middle names that flow with Elana: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Elana
Similar names
Ivana Girl
ih-VAH-nuh
“God is gracious” · Slavic
#1,102
Sarina Girl
suh-REE-nuh
“form of Sarah; princess” · Hebrew
#1,745
Susana Girl
soo-SAH-nuh
“lily” · Spanish
#2,254
Adina Girl
uh-DEE-nuh
“delicate, gentle” · Hebrew
#1,250
Hosanna Girl
hoh-ZAN-uh
“save, we pray” · Hebrew
#1,480
Alona Girl
uh-LOH-nuh
“oak tree” · Hebrew
#3,521
Eliana Girl
eh-lee-AH-nuh
“my God has answered” · Hebrew
#10
Elliana Girl
el-ee-AH-nuh
“my God has answered” · Hebrew
#139
Joanna Girl
joh-AN-uh
“God is gracious” · Latin
#306
Elianna Girl
eh-lee-AH-nuh
“my God has answered” · Hebrew
#218
Santana Unisex
san-TAN-uh
“Saint Anne” · Spanish
#855
Davina Girl
duh-VEE-nuh
“feminine of David, 'beloved'” · Scottish
#749
Lists that include Elana
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Elana mean?
Elana is a Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “tree (variant of Ilana)”.
What is the origin of the name Elana?
Elana has Hebrew roots. Elana is generally taken as a variant of the Hebrew Ilana, meaning 'tree', a name that became popular in modern Israel along with other nature names.
Is Elana a popular name?
Not especially. Elana ranked #1,982 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Elana a boy or girl name?
Elana is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Elana?
Elana is usually pronounced eh-LAH-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