Elaine
Elaine first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1947, when 7,059 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 1,007.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Elaine popular?
Rising Elaine has climbed over the past decade, given to more girls now than ten years ago.
| 2020s | 4,579 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 4,384 | |
| 2000s | 4,138 | |
| 1990s | 5,441 | |
| 1980s | 7,112 | |
| 1970s | 9,779 | |
| 1960s | 27,466 | |
| 1950s | 54,232 | |
| 1940s | 60,105 | |
| 1930s | 41,108 | |
| 1920s | 34,907 | |
| 1910s | 8,576 | |
| 1900s | 783 | |
| 1890s | 239 | |
| 1880s | 41 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Elaine mean?
Elaine is an Old French form of Helen, from the Greek and linked to “light” or “torch.” In Arthurian legend, Elaine loved the knight Lancelot.
Nicknames for Elaine
- Lainey
- Lane
Variants & spellings
- Elayne
- Elaina
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
Is Elaine a boy or a girl name?
Elaine is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Elaine a popular name right now?
Elaine has climbed over the past decade, given to more girls now than ten years ago.
How popular is the name Elaine?
In 2025, Elaine ranked #305 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Elaine most popular?
Elaine was most popular in 1947, when about 7,059 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Elaine?
Common nicknames for Elaine include Lainey, Lane.