Alanna
Alanna is a girl name of Irish origin meaning “Precious, dear child”, pronounced uh-LAN-uh. It ranked #280 in the United States in 2025, given to 1,099 babies, and peaked at #280 in 2025. Common nicknames: Lana, Anna.
How popular is Alanna in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Alanna mean, and where does it come from?
Alanna is an elaborated spelling of Alana, ultimately from the Irish Gaelic endearment meaning "O child" or "precious one." It gained notable visibility through the character Alanna in Tamora Pierce's beloved fantasy novels, introducing the name to a generation of young readers. Alanna has remained a modestly popular choice in English-speaking countries since the mid-twentieth century, valued for its warm, affectionate meaning. It pairs the familiarity of Alana with a slightly more distinctive double-"n" spelling.
How is Alanna used around the world?
Alanna is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 4+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Alanna?
Famous People Named Alanna
- Alanna Ubach — American actress
- Alanna Masterson — American actress known for "The Walking Dead"
Similar Names to Alanna
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Sibling Name Ideas for Alanna
Looking for names that pair well with Alanna? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Alanna mean?
Alanna is a girl name of Irish origin meaning "Precious, dear child." Alanna is an elaborated spelling of Alana, ultimately from the Irish Gaelic endearment meaning "O child" or "precious one." It gained notable visibility through the character Alanna in Tamora Pierce's beloved fantasy novels, introducing the name to a generation of young readers.
How do you pronounce Alanna?
Alanna is pronounced uh-LAN-uh. Common variations include Alana, Alayna, Alanah.
Is Alanna a girl name?
Yes, Alanna is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Lana, Anna.