Elaine
Gender: Girl
Meaning: Bright, shining light
Origin: French/Greek
Popularity: Ranked #305 in 2025 with 1,007 babies born.
History: The Old French form of Helen. In Arthurian legend, Elaine of Astolat died of unrequited love for Lancelot, as told in Tennyson's 'The Lady of Shalott.' It was popular in the US in the mid-20th century.
Name length: 6 letters
How common is Elaine? About 1 in 3,305 babies born in 2025 were named Elaine, or roughly 2.8 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Elaine
What does the name Elaine mean?
Elaine means “Bright, shining light” from French/Greek roots.
What is the origin of the name Elaine?
Elaine has French/Greek origin. The traditional meaning is “Bright, shining light”.
How popular is Elaine?
Elaine ranked #304 in 2025 — given to 1,007 babies that year.
When was Elaine most popular?
Elaine peaked in 1947 with 7,058 babies registered that year.
Is Elaine a boy or girl name?
Elaine is predominantly a girls' name — over 90% of Elaines in registered births are female.
Is the name Elaine rising or falling in popularity?
Elaine has risen 215 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #519 in 2020 to #304 in 2025.
How long has Elaine been recorded?
Elaine appears in birth records across 143 years — from 1880 through 2025.