Elaine
Elaine is a girl's name of French origin.
Meaning
Shining light or torch.
Origin and history
Elaine is a French adaptation of the Greek name Helen, historically translated as torch or shining light. The name gained enduring cultural fame through Arthurian legend, where it was borne by several prominent characters. In the United States, it was particularly popular during the mid-20th century and remains a widely recognized classic.
Popularity in the United States
262,890 babies in the United States have been named Elaine since 1880. It ranks #154 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #405.
States where it is most popular
- NY (13 %)
- PA (8.3 %)
- CA (7.2 %)
- IL (6.1 %)
- MA (5.6 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 41 |
| 1890-1900 | 239 |
| 1900-1910 | 783 |
| 1910-1920 | 8,576 |
| 1920-1930 | 34,907 |
| 1930-1940 | 41,108 |
| 1940-1950 | 60,105 |
| 1950-1960 | 54,232 |
| 1960-1970 | 27,466 |
| 1970-1980 | 9,779 |
| 1980-1990 | 7,112 |
| 1990-2000 | 5,441 |
| 2000-2010 | 4,138 |
| 2010-2019 | 4,384 |
| 2020-2029 | 4,579 |
Famous people named Elaine
- Elaine May: Comedian, Screenwriter
- Elaine Stritch: Actress, Singer
- Elaine Chao: Government Official, Cabinet Secretary
Nicknames
Lainey, Laine, Lainie, Elle
Fun facts
- Elaine appears as the name of multiple key women in Arthurian lore, including Elaine of Corbenic and the Maid of Astolat.
- Alfred, Lord Tennyson boosted the name's modern popularity through his 19th-century Arthurian poem series, Idylls of the King.