Elaine is a feminine given name of Scottish origin, derived from the Scottish Gaelic name "Ella". Ella itself is believed to be a shortened form of the Scottish name Helen or Ellie. The name Elaine has been popular throughout history, with notable figures such as Elaine of Astolot, a character in Arthurian legend, and Elaine Lobl, an American actress.
The meaning behind the name Elaine is not definitive, but it is often associated with several interpretations due to its connection with Helen and Ellie. One interpretation suggests that Elaine means "torchlight" or "shining light," which could be attributed to the Greek word "helios," meaning sun. Another interpretation relates Elaine to the Welsh name "Elen" which means " torchlight" or "light." Additionally, some sources suggest that Elaine might mean "fair" or "beautiful," reflecting its association with Helen of Troy.
Throughout history, the name Elaine has been used in various forms and spellings across different cultures. In Scotland, it was a popular given name for girls during the medieval period. In English literature, the name Elaine gained prominence through Sir Thomas Malory's "Le Morte d'Arthur," where Elaine of Astolot plays a significant role as one of King Arthur's lovers.
Today, Elaine continues to be a popular choice for parents naming their daughters. Its timeless appeal can be attributed to its rich history and diverse meanings associated with it. As a name that has stood the test of time, Elaine remains a beautiful and enduring option for parents looking for a classic yet distinctive feminine name.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe a significant trend in the number of babies named Elaine born annually in the United States.
The name Elaine first became popular around the late 19th century, with an average of five births per year between 1880 and 1886. However, it began to gain traction in the early 20th century, with a steady increase in the number of babies named Elaine from 1900 onwards.
In 1905, there were 79 births, which more than doubled by 1915 to 1212 births. The trend continued to rise until it peaked in 1923 with 3212 births. This period marked the height of popularity for the name Elaine.
However, after 1924, there was a decline in the number of babies named Elaine. By 1970, this had dropped significantly to 1437 births. The trend continued to fall throughout the rest of the century and into the early 21st century, with only around 360-450 babies named Elaine born annually between 2000 and 2018.
Nevertheless, there has been a recent resurgence in popularity for the name Elaine. After reaching a low point of 371 births in 2009, there has been a steady increase since then, with 646 babies named Elaine born in 2021 and an impressive 806 births in 2023.
In conclusion, while the name Elaine was extremely popular throughout much of the early to mid-20th century, its popularity declined significantly towards the end of the century. However, it has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity among parents choosing names for their newborn daughters.