The nameAlain
Alain is the French form of Alan. It was a great French classic of the 1940s and 1950s.
- Boy's name
- Breton
Meaning
Alain comes from Alan, a Breton name of uncertain meaning, sometimes read as "little rock" or "handsome".
Origin
Breton, through French.
History
Breton knights brought the name to England after 1066, where it became Alan. In the United States Alain reached 998th place in 1985.
Did you know?
- Alain Prost won the Formula One World Championship four times, in 1985, 1986, 1989 and 1993.
- Alain Delon received an honorary Palme d'Or at Cannes in 2019.
Famous people named Alain
- Alain Delon, actor
- Alain Prost, racing driver
- Alain de Botton, writer
Popularity of the name Alain
Alain in the United States
Alain was most popular in the United States in the 1980s, with 738 births over the decade, 19% of all recorded babies named Alain. Its rise began around 1947, and it peaked in 1988. Half of all babies named Alain in the United States were born before 1992. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 46 births a year on average, against 55 in the five years before.
Alain in France
Alain was most popular in France in the 1950s, with 199,020 births over the decade, 39% of all recorded babies named Alain. Its rise began around 1937, and it peaked in 1950. Half of all babies named Alain in France were born before 1954, so it is mostly a grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 22 births a year on average, against 31 in the five years before.
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Alain
Names from the same generation as Alain, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Alain? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Alain with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Alain side by side with the name of your choice.
Alain in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alain mean?
Alain comes from Alan, a Breton name of uncertain meaning, sometimes read as "little rock" or "handsome".
What is the origin of the name Alain?
Breton, through French.
Is Alain a girl's or a boy's name?
Alain is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Alain?
In 2024, Alain was the 3260th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 37 births.
What are the variants of the name Alain?
Variants and related names of Alain include Alan and Allain.
What are good sibling names for Alain?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Bronwyn, Cécile, Joyce and Selma for a sister, Yan, Boris, Kamil and Adil for a brother.
Who are famous people named Alain?
Alain Delon, actor; Alain Prost, racing driver; Alain de Botton, writer.