Alaina is a feminine given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish surname Allan, which itself comes from the Celtic name Ailill. The meaning behind Alaina is believed to be "noble" or "handsome". This name has been popular in Scotland for centuries and was often used as a male name before becoming more commonly associated with females in recent times.
The earliest known use of the name Alaina can be traced back to medieval Scotland, where it was used by various noble families. One notable example is Lady Alaina Drummond, who lived in the 14th century and was a member of the powerful Drummond clan.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Alaina or its variants. For instance, Alaina Marie Moore (born 1981) is an American singer-songwriter known for her hit songs like "Best Day of My Life" and "All Good Things". Additionally, Alaina Kaitlyn Huffman (born 2000) is an American actress who has appeared in various television shows such as "Modern Family" and "The Goldbergs".
In popular culture, the name Alaina has also been used in literature, movies, and television shows. For example, it was used for one of the main characters in the young adult novel series "The Selection" by Kiera Cass.
Overall, the name Alaina is a unique yet timeless choice that carries with it a rich history and elegant meaning. Its Scottish origins give it a strong foundation rooted in tradition, while its modern popularity ensures that it remains relevant today.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Alaina has seen significant fluctuations in popularity over the years in the United States.
From 1946 to 1960, the number of babies named Alaina remained relatively low, with fewer than 23 births each year. However, starting from 1962, there was a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Alaina, reaching 49 births that year.
The popularity of the name continued to grow throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, with a peak of 466 births in 1981. After this peak, the number of babies named Alaina began to decline until the mid-1980s.
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw another increase in popularity for the name Alaina, with over 500 births each year between 1989 and 1993. This trend continued throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, with the highest number of babies named Alaina recorded in 2003 at 1,126 births.
However, since then, the popularity of the name has gradually declined. Between 2010 and 2023, the number of babies named Alaina has ranged from a high of 1,998 births in 2011 to a low of 1,356 births in 2023.
In total, there have been 47,744 babies named Alaina born in the United States since 1946. Despite fluctuations in popularity over the years, Alaina remains a well-established and enduring name choice for parents in the United States.