The nameLainey
Lainey is a pet form of Elaine, now a name in its own right. It has risen fast in the United States.
- Girl's name
- English
Meaning
Lainey comes from Elaine, an Old French form of Helen, from the Greek Helene, often linked to "torch, light".
Origin
English, from a diminutive.
History
Lainey entered the American top 100 in 2023 and reached 38th place in 2024. The country singer Lainey Wilson helped its rise.
Famous people named Lainey
- Lainey Wilson, country singer
Popularity of the name Lainey
Lainey in the United States
Lainey was most popular in the United States in the 2020s, with 12,858 births over the decade, 57% of all recorded babies named Lainey. Its rise began around 2011, and it peaked in 2024. Half of all babies named Lainey in the United States were born before 2021, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 2,572 births a year on average, against 646 in the five years before.
Lainey in the United Kingdom
Lainey was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2020s, with 680 births over the decade, 50% of all recorded babies named Lainey. Its rise began around 2007, and it peaked in 2025. Half of all babies named Lainey in the United Kingdom were born before 2019, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 125 births a year on average, against 54 in the five years before.
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Lainey
Names from the same generation as Lainey, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Lainey? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Lainey with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Lainey side by side with the name of your choice.
Lainey in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Lainey mean?
Lainey comes from Elaine, an Old French form of Helen, from the Greek Helene, often linked to "torch, light".
What is the origin of the name Lainey?
English, from a diminutive.
Is Lainey a girl's or a boy's name?
Lainey is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Lainey?
In 2024, Lainey was the 38th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 5,147 births.
What are the variants of the name Lainey?
Variants and related names of Lainey include Elaine, Helen and Helene.
What are good sibling names for Lainey?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Millie, Lottie, Antonella and Maeve for a sister, Walker, Elio, Thiago and Enzo for a brother.
Who are famous people named Lainey?
Lainey Wilson, country singer.