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Elana

Girl name · 20 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Elana: 20 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 4 births in 1978.

Elana is often considered a variant of Elena or Helen, tracing back to the Greek Helene, meaning “torch” or “light.” It also shares roots with the Hebrew Eliana, meaning “God has answered,” giving the name a dual heritage. Among notable bearers are American bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor, a multiple Olympic medalist, and author Elana K. Arnold, known for her young adult novels. While no major places derive directly from Elana, the name’s Greek root appears in place names like Saint Helena and Helena, Montana. A common modern variant is Elaina, while Ilana offers a close Hebrew parallel. The name strikes a balance between classic elegance and multicultural appeal, making it a graceful choice for parents seeking a luminous, meaningful name.