Layne is a name of English origin, derived from the Old English word "leah", which means "clearing in the woods". It is also associated with the Old English word "lean", meaning "flax", as it was used historically to denote someone who lived near a flax plantation.
The name Layne has been popular throughout history, but its usage has varied over time and by region. In some periods, it was more commonly used for males, while in others, it was more frequently given to females. Today, Layne is considered a gender-neutral name, suitable for both boys and girls.
One notable historical figure with the name Layne is Layne Staley, the late American musician and singer-songwriter who was best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Alice in Chains. However, it is important to note that this text does not focus on famous people named Layne or their associated traits of character.
In conclusion, Layne is a name with an English origin and a meaning related to nature and industry. Its usage has varied over time but is currently considered gender-neutral. While there are notable individuals who share the name Layne, this text focuses solely on the name's origins, meanings, and history.
The name Layne experienced a significant increase in popularity from the 1940s onwards, with a notable spike starting in the late 1950s and peaking in the early to mid-1960s, reaching over 100 births per year during this period. After the 1970s, the number of annual births with the name Layne began to decline steadily until the late 1980s, when it stabilized around 50 births per year for nearly two decades. Since the mid-2000s, there has been a gradual resurgence in the popularity of the name Layne, with over 350 births recorded annually between 2017 and 2023. In total, there have been 13,540 births with the name Layne from 1918 to 2023.