The nameElaine
Elaine is a medieval form of Helen, made famous by the legends of King Arthur.
- Girl's name
- Greek
- Feast day
Meaning
Elaine is an Old French form of Helen, from the Greek, often linked to helios, "sun", or to "torch".
Origin
Greek, through Old French.
History
In Arthurian legend Elaine is the mother of Galahad, and Elaine of Astolat dies for love of Lancelot. Tennyson popularised her. In the United States Elaine reached 42nd place in 1938.
Famous people named Elaine
- Elaine Stritch, actress
- Elaine Paige, singer
- Elaine Benes, character in Seinfeld
Popularity of the name Elaine
Elaine in the United States
Elaine was most popular in the United States in the 1940s, with 60,259 births over the decade, 23% of all recorded babies named Elaine. Its rise began around 1915, and it peaked in 1947. Half of all babies named Elaine in the United States were born before 1947, so it is mostly a grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 712 births a year on average, against 489 in the five years before.
Elaine in the United Kingdom
Elaine was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2000s, with 187 births over the decade, 31% of all recorded babies named Elaine. Half of all babies named Elaine in the United Kingdom were born before 2010, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 27 births a year on average, against 17 in the five years before.
Elaine in Ireland
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Elaine
Names from the same generation as Elaine, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Elaine? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Elaine with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Elaine side by side with the name of your choice.
Elaine in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Elaine mean?
Elaine is an Old French form of Helen, from the Greek, often linked to helios, "sun", or to "torch".
What is the origin of the name Elaine?
Greek, through Old French.
Is Elaine a girl's or a boy's name?
Elaine is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Elaine?
In 2024, Elaine was the 369th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 843 births.
What are the variants of the name Elaine?
Variants and related names of Elaine include Helen, Helene and Lainey.
What are good sibling names for Elaine?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Maia, Helena, Phoebe and Daphne for a sister, Lewis, Franklin, Leandro and Orion for a brother.
Who are famous people named Elaine?
Elaine Stritch, actress; Elaine Paige, singer; Elaine Benes, character in Seinfeld.