girl · french, welsh and greek
Elaine
say it eh-layn
What Elaine means
- French and Welsh Old French form of Helen: light; Elaine of Astolat Arthurian legend: Elaine of Astolat; Elaine of Corbenic, mother of Galahad
- French and Greek bright, shining light; form of Helen debated Arthurian legend: Elaine of Astolat, the Lady of Shalott
How popular it is
Its use is rising over the last ten years.
- no. 179 in Ireland (2017)
- no. 334 in Chile (2021)
- no. 399 in the US (2024)
- no. 476 in New Zealand (2023)
- no. 477 in Portugal (2017)
- no. 648 in Austria (2020)
- no. 704 in Ontario & Quebec (2020)
- no. 842 in Scotland (2025)
In the United States it was most popular around 1940.
Other forms
Names with a similar meaning
Clara Ellie Elena Lucy Lena Eleanor Ayla Phoebe Zara Helena Lucia Elina
Elaine in stories
- Idylls of the King: Elaine, the lily maid of Astolat who dies for Lancelot
- Seinfeld: Elaine Benes, Jerry's ex and friend