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.
The name Elaine experienced significant popularity fluctuations over the years. It started with low numbers of births from 1880 to 1915, with a peak of just 1212 births in 1915. However, between 1920 and 1966, there was a substantial increase, reaching a high of 3866 births in 1961. After that period, the popularity began to decline steadily, dropping from 1437 births in 1970 to 343 births in 2010. There has been a slight resurgence since then, with 806 births recorded in 2023. In total, there have been 261,023 births named Elaine from 1880 to 2023.