Elaine: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced ih-LAYN · 2 syllables
From Old French Elaine, a variant of Elene, cognate to Helen, ultimately from Ancient Greek (Helene). A Celtic origin has also been suggested since the name appears in Arthurian legend. Doublet of Helen.
- Origin
- Greek, French
- Pronunciation
- ih-LAYN
- US rank (2025)
- #304
- US babies a year
- about 864 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1940
- Style
- Vintage, Rising, Classic
How popular is Elaine?
Elaine was the #304 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,007 babies. It’s rising: up 78% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1940.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #304 |
| Scotland | #992 |
| Ireland | #588 |
| Canada | #512 |
| Australia | #974 |
How old are people named Elaine?
Half of US adults named Elaine are older than 69; most are between 30 and 87. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Elaine
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Elaine have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Elaine
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
- Nadine
- Eileen
- Charline
- Joan
- Francine
- Marianne
- Yvonne
- Georgette
- Bernadette
- Suzanne
- Marita
- Lorraine
- Dorine
- Maxine
- Arlene
- Darlene
On these lists
Questions about Elaine
How do you pronounce Elaine?
Elaine is pronounced ih-LAYN.
How popular is the name Elaine?
Elaine was the #304 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,007 babies. It’s rising: up 78% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1940.
How old are people named Elaine?
Half of US adults named Elaine are older than 69. Most are between 30 and 87.