Alana Name Meaning: Origin, Popularity, and Famous Namesakes (2024)

Alana Name Origin and Meaning

If you’re considering the name Alana for your baby girl, you might be curious about its origin and meaning. Alana is a beautiful name with a rich history and several possible meanings. Here’s what you need to know about the name Alana.

The name Alana is of Irish origin, and it is thought to come from the Gaelic term “a leanbh,” which means “child” or “awakening.” Another possible origin of the name is the Celtic name Alan, which means “rock.” In Old High German, the name Alana means “precious.”

Alana is a popular name in many cultures and languages, and it has several possible meanings depending on the origin. For example, in Hawaiian, Alana means “harmony,” while in Aramaic, it means “exalted” or “high.”

Overall, the name Alana is a beautiful and meaningful choice for your baby girl. Whether you choose it for its Irish roots, its Hawaiian meaning of harmony, or simply because you love the sound of it, Alana is a name that is sure to stand out.

Popularity of Alana

If you’re considering the name Alana for your baby girl, you might be interested in knowing how popular it is. Alana is a well-liked name that has been consistently popular in the United States since the 1970s. In 2021, it was ranked as the 224th most popular name in the US.

Alana has been a top 1000 name in the US for decades, and it has been steadily gaining popularity in recent years. In 2023, it is predicted to be ranked at #130, which is a significant jump from its 2022 ranking of #227.

Alana is also a popular name in other countries such as Australia, England, France, and Portugal. In 2021, it was ranked as the 56th most popular name in Portugal.

Here is a table showing the popularity of Alana in the US over the past decade:

As you can see, Alana has consistently been a popular name in the US, remaining within the top 500 since 1975. It is a beautiful name that is easy to pronounce and spell, which could be one of the reasons why it has remained popular over the years.

Alana in Different Languages

Alana is a name that has different meanings and origins in various languages and cultures. Here are some of the meanings of Alana in different languages:

• Gaelic: Alana is derived from the Gaelic word “ailin,” which means “little rock.” It can also mean “harmony” in Gaelic.
• Hawaiian: In Hawaiian, Alana means “awakening” or “fair.” It is also a unisex name in the Hawaiian community.
• Aramaic: Alana translates to “exalted” in Aramaic, meaning a person of high rank or status.
• Old German: Alana is of Old German origin and means “precious” or “awakening.”
• Latin: Alana is a modern Latinate feminine form of Alan, which means “precious” or “little rock.”
• Irish: Alana can be derived from the Irish language term “a leanbh,” which means “child.”
• Slavic: Alana can be a variant of the Slavic name Alina, which means “bright” or “beautiful.”
• Italian: Alana can be a variant of the Italian name Anya, which means “gracious” or “merciful.”
• Spanish: Alana can be a variant of the Spanish name Bella, which means “beautiful.”
• Hebrew: Alana can be a variant of the Hebrew name Ariel, which means “lion of God.”
• Russian: Alana can be a variant of the Russian name Alayna, which means “bright” or “shining.”
• French: Alana can be a variant of the French name Elan, which means “enthusiasm” or “zeal.”
• English: Alana can be a variant of the English names Ella or Ava, which mean “beautiful” or “life.”

Overall, Alana is a name that has various meanings and origins in different languages and cultures. Whether you prefer the Gaelic, Hawaiian, or Aramaic meaning, Alana is a beautiful name that is sure to stand out.

Variations and Spellings of Alana

When it comes to the name Alana, there are several variations and spellings that you may come across. Some of the most common variations of Alana include Alaina, Alanah, Allana, Lanah, and Alena. These variations may have slightly different meanings or origins, but they all share the same basic sound and feel as the name Alana.

One variation of Alana that you may come across is Alanah. This spelling is often associated with the Irish and Scottish name Alannah, which means “little rock” or “precious”. Similarly, Allana is another variation of Alana that is often used in Ireland and Scotland. This name is derived from the Gaelic word “ailin”, which means “little rock”.

Another common variation of Alana is Lanah. This spelling is often used in Arabic-speaking countries and is derived from the Arabic name Ilana, which means “tree”. This name is often associated with strength and resilience, and is a popular choice for parents who want a strong and unique name for their child.

In addition to these variations, you may also come across the spellings Alena, Lena, and Allan. Alena is a Slavic name that means “bright” or “shining”. Lena is a Greek name that means “light” or “torch”, and Allan is a Celtic name that means “handsome” or “cheerful”.

Overall, there are many different variations and spellings of the name Alana, each with their own unique meanings and origins. Whether you prefer the traditional spelling or one of the many variations, Alana is a beautiful and timeless name that is sure to make a lasting impression.

Famous People Named Alana

If you’re considering the name Alana for your baby girl, you might be interested to know that there are several famous people who share this name. From actors to musicians to athletes, here are a few notable Alanas:

• Alana de la Garza: This American actress is best known for her roles on Law & Order and CSI: Miami. She has also appeared in several films and other TV shows.
• Alana Beard: A retired professional basketball player, Beard played for the Washington Mystics and Los Angeles Sparks during her career. She is a four-time WNBA All-Star and two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
• Alana Austin: Austin is an American actress who has appeared in several TV shows and films, including the Disney Channel movie Motocrossed.
• Alana Davis: Davis is a singer-songwriter who had a hit in the late 1990s with the song “32 Flavors.” She has released several albums and continues to perform.
• Alana Stewart: This American actress and model was married to rock star Rod Stewart for several years. She has also appeared in several TV shows and films.
• Alanis Morissette: While not technically an Alana, Morissette is often referred to by her nickname “Alanis.” This Canadian singer-songwriter had a huge hit in the 1990s with her album Jagged Little Pill, which included the hit songs “You Oughta Know” and “Ironic.”
• Haim: This American pop rock band consists of three sisters: Este, Danielle, and Alana Haim. Alana plays guitar and keyboard for the band, which has released several albums and toured extensively.

As you can see, there are plenty of talented and successful people who share the name Alana. Whether you’re a fan of these individuals or just looking for some inspiration for your own little Alana, there’s no denying that this name has some serious star power.

Alana in Popular Culture

Alana is a name that has been featured in various forms of popular culture. From TV shows to musicals, the name has made its way into the entertainment industry.

One of the most well-known examples of the name Alana in popular culture is the reality TV star Alana Thompson, also known as Honey Boo Boo. She rose to fame on the show “Toddlers & Tiaras” and later starred in her own spin-off series, “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.” Her unique personality and catchphrases made her a fan favorite and brought the name Alana into the spotlight.

Another example of the name Alana in popular culture is in the Disney movie “The Little Mermaid.” In the film, the character Ariel’s best friend is a mermaid named Alana. While the character doesn’t play a major role in the movie, her name has become a recognizable part of the franchise.

The name Alana has also been featured in the TV show “Hannibal.” In the show, Alana Bloom is a main character and a psychiatrist who works with the FBI. Her character is known for her intelligence and strength, making her a fan favorite.

In the musical “Dear Evan Hansen,” the character Alana Beck is a high school student who serves as the school’s “perfect student.” Her character is known for being overachieving and competitive, and her name has become synonymous with the idea of perfectionism.

Lastly, the name Alana has been featured in the comic book series “Saga.” In the series, Alana is a main character and a former soldier who falls in love with a prisoner of war. Her character is known for her bravery and loyalty, making her a beloved character among fans of the series.

Overall, the name Alana has made its mark in popular culture through a variety of mediums. Whether it’s through reality TV, movies, TV shows, musicals, or comic books, the name has become a recognizable part of the entertainment industry.

Pronunciation of Alana

If you’re wondering how to pronounce Alana, you’re not alone. The pronunciation of Alana can vary depending on the accent and region. However, most commonly, Alana is pronounced as uh-LAH-nuh, or sometimes as uh-LAN-uh.

To help you get a better idea of how to pronounce Alana, here are a few ways to break it down phonetically:

• uh-LAH-nuh
• uh-LAN-uh
• aa-LEY-Naa

It’s important to note that the emphasis is on the second syllable, and the “a” sound is pronounced like “ah.”

If you’re still unsure, you can listen to various pronunciations online or ask someone who is familiar with the name.

Overall, the pronunciation of Alana is fairly straightforward, and once you hear it a few times, it should become easier to say correctly.

Gender and Alana

If you’re considering the name Alana for your baby, you might be wondering about its gender. Alana is a feminine name, typically given to baby girls. While it is possible for a boy to be named Alana, it is very rare.

The name Alana has been used as a girl’s name for centuries, and it has remained popular over time. In 2023, Alana is ranked as the 165th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, according to BabyCenter user data.

If you’re looking for a name that is both feminine and unique, Alana might be a great choice. It’s a name that is not too common, but still recognizable and easy to pronounce.

Overall, Alana is a beautiful name that is perfect for baby girls. Its meaning of “precious” or “awakening” can be a great source of inspiration for parents. Whether you’re looking for a name that is traditional or modern, Alana is definitely worth considering.