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Layne

Boy / Girl name · 16 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Layne: 16 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to both boys and girls, peaking at 4 births in 2020.

A modern variant of the English surname Lane, Layne originally described someone who lived by a narrow path or lane, from the Old English *lanu*. It also serves as a feminine form of Lain, a Scottish variant of Alan, meaning "little rock" or "handsome" in Gaelic traditions. The most recognised bearer is Layne Staley, the raw-voiced lead singer of the grunge band Alice in Chains, whose iconic 1990s sound still resonates. The surname Lane appears in Scottish place names such as Lanehead and Lane End. As a given name, Layne offers a fresh, unisex alternative to Lane or Laine, carrying a subtle rock-and-roll edge through its musical ties while feeling both modern and timeless.