Elaine Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Elaine has its roots in Old French, derived from the Greek name 'Helene', meaning 'light' or 'torch'. It evolved through various forms including Helaine and Helena. The name is commonly associated with chivalric tales and has a classic, elegant image today. There is no direct biblical relevance, and it gained popularity particularly during the Middle Ages.
The name Elaine is most popular in Rhode Island, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Silent Generation generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Elaine has been stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Elaine' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3484th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1841st out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2591st out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5236th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 10056th out of 16616 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 124th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 54th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 88th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 229th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 386th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 665th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 549th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Elaine' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Elaine"
Pronunciation
/ɪˈleɪn/
Origin
Old French
Etymology
The name Elaine is derived from the Old French name 'Helaine', which is a variant of 'Helena', itself originating from the Greek name 'Helene', meaning 'torch' or 'light'.
Meaning
light, torch
Language Evolution
Helaine, Helena, Helene, Elaine
Historical Usage
Elaine became popular in the English-speaking world during the Middle Ages, particularly due to its association with Arthurian legend, where Elaine is a character in the stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
Variants & Derivatives
Elen, Elena, Helen, Elin
Modern Popularity & Image
The name Elaine is generally viewed as classic and elegant, often associated with femininity and grace. It has maintained moderate popularity in various English-speaking countries.
Famous People
Elaine Stritch, Elaine Paige, Elaine May
Explore More Elaine Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Elaine"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Elaine"
"Elaine" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3484th of 7545 | 88 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1841st of 6773 | 283 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2591st of 7552 | 190 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5236th of 10718 | 60 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 10056th of 16616 | 32 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 124th of 9107 | 36,359 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 54th of 9204 | 82,591 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 88th of 12526 | 98,451 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 229th of 19264 | 20,275 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 386th of 27321 | 10,387 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 665th of 35406 | 6,675 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 549th of 30306 | 6,804 |
Regional Popularity of "Elaine" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Elaine" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
4.87% 69th/1416 |
7.61% 105th/1379 |
9.59% 227th/2366 |
7.18% 82nd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
3.10% 48th/1546 |
2.25% 35th/1556 |
6.88% 162nd/2353 |
3.62% 56th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
4.09% 91st/2227 |
1.93% 47th/2430 |
3.89% 111th/2853 |
3.60% 100th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
8.72% 256th/2937 |
4.25% 148th/3483 |
7.96% 280th/3518 |
5.09% 206th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
10.23% 377th/3685 |
7.64% 342nd/4475 |
9.34% 485th/5194 |
5.51% 348th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
12.72% 583rd/4582 |
11.10% 573rd/5164 |
11.21% 820th/7313 |
8.23% 614th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
11.09% 442nd/3984 |
13.66% 613th/4487 |
8.99% 613th/6822 |
7.95% 499th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Elaine"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Elaine" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.