Elaine
Bright, shining light — a girl name of Old French (variant of Helen) origin
Popularity of Elaine in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Elaine
Elaine emerged in medieval France as a variant of Helen, tracing back to the Greek "Helene." It gained lasting fame through Arthurian legend, where the tragic Elaine of Astolat — the "Lady of Shalott" — died of unrequited love for Sir Lancelot, a story immortalized in Tennyson's poetry and Pre-Raphaelite art. The name enjoyed strong popularity in the mid-twentieth-century English-speaking world and, though it has declined from its peak, retains a timeless, sophisticated appeal.
Elaine Around the World
Elaine is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 2+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Elaine
Famous People Named Elaine
- Elaine Chao — U.S. Secretary of Transportation and Labor
- Elaine Paige — British stage and recording artist known for "Memory"
- Elaine Stritch — American actress and singer
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Sibling Name Ideas for Elaine
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Elaine mean?
Elaine is a girl name of Old French (variant of Helen) origin meaning "Bright, shining light." Elaine emerged in medieval France as a variant of Helen, tracing back to the Greek "Helene." It gained lasting fame through Arthurian legend, where the tragic Elaine of Astolat — the "Lady of Shalott" — died of unrequited love for Sir Lancelot, a story immortalized in Tennyson's poetry and Pre-Raphaelite art.
How do you pronounce Elaine?
Elaine is pronounced ee-LAYN. Common variations include Elayne, Elaina, Helaine.
Is Elaine a girl name?
Yes, Elaine is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Ellie, Lainey.
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