Elaine is a feminine given name of Scottish origin, derived from the surname Elaine, which was adapted into a female given name in Scotland during the late Middle Ages. The surname Elaine is believed to have been derived from the French name Aveline, which itself comes from the Germanic elements ava, meaning "ancestor," and lin, meaning "lion." Thus, the name Elaine means "noble lioness."
The name Elaine gained popularity in Scotland due to its association with several historical figures. One of the most notable is Lady Helen Elizabeth Gordon (1780-1853), who was a Scottish socialite and philanthropist known for her beauty and charm. She was often referred to as "Elaine" by friends and family, which helped popularize the name in Scotland.
The name Elaine also appears in Arthurian legend as the lady love of Lancelot du Lac, and it has been used in several works of literature throughout history. For instance, Sir Walter Scott's poem "The Lady of the Lake" features a character named Ellenore, which is another form of Elaine.
In English-speaking countries today, Elaine remains a popular given name for girls. It is often associated with qualities such as elegance, charm, and nobility, reflecting its original meaning of "noble lioness." However, it is important to note that the personality traits and characteristics of individuals named Elaine can vary greatly, as names do not inherently determine one's personal qualities or fate.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Elaine in the United States, it appears that this name has seen varying levels of popularity over the past century.
The name Elaine first appeared in the top 1000 baby names list in 1918 with five births recorded that year. This number remained consistent until 1924 when it slightly increased to ten births. The 1930s and early 1940s saw a fluctuating trend, with the highest peak being seven births each year from 1945 to 1947.
The post-World War II era brought a significant rise in popularity for the name Elaine. Between 1952 and 1968, there were at least five births every year, with peaks reaching double digits in certain years such as 1954 (eleven births) and 1963 (ten births). This period also marked a consistent rise in popularity, indicating that Elaine was becoming more widely accepted as a given name during this time.
However, towards the end of the 20th century, the popularity of the name Elaine began to wane. From 1981 onwards, there were fewer than ten births recorded each year, with most years reporting only five or six births. This trend continued into the 21st century, with just five births recorded annually between 2004 and 2023.
Despite its fluctuating popularity over time, Elaine remains a name with historical significance in the United States, having been consistently used for newborn girls since the early 20th century. As of recent years, it appears that this name continues to be chosen by parents at a steady but modest rate.