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Elaine

Girl name · 4,073 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Elaine: 4,073 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 423 births in 1975.

Elaine is the French form of Helen, ultimately from the Greek Helene, likely meaning "torch" or "bright one." In Arthurian legend, Elaine of Astolat—the tragic "Lady of Shalott" immortalized by Tennyson—is one of the name’s most enduring bearers. Modern fame includes actress and director Elaine May, a key figure in American comedy. Though no major places derive directly from Elaine, the name shares its radiant root with Helen, Helena, and Ellen, all linked to the Greek word for light. A notably Scottish twist: the variant “Eileen” (from Irish Eibhlín) is a close cousin, and the name enjoyed steady popularity in Scotland through the mid-20th century, offering a classic alternative to its more common relatives.