Elaine

Meaning & Origin

Meaning: Shining Light; Bright; Torch

Background: The name Elaine originates from the Old French name 'Helaine,' which is derived from the Latin 'Helena,' meaning 'light' or 'torch.' This term can be traced back to the Greek name 'Helene,' also meaning 'shining light.'

At a glance

Quick stats based on the history of this name.

Lifetime rank
#155
Total births
262,525
Most popular decade
1940s (180,777 births)
10-year trend
↑ Rising (+281 ranks)
Years in Top 100
36
First recorded year
1880

Gender usage

0.2% male 99.8% female

Stats by gender

Male

First year
1918
First year births
6
First year rank
#3,728
Peak year
1941
Peak year births
28
Peak rank
#1,254
Most recent year
1989
Recent year births
6
Recent rank
#6,940

Female

First year
1880
First year births
5
First year rank
#836
Peak year
1947
Peak year births
7,058
Peak rank
#50
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
843
Recent rank
#369

Births over time

Number of babies given this name each year.

Rank over time

Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).

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