Find out how popular the first name Alana has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Alana by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Alana is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Alana being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,614 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Alana.

The history of the first name Alana

The name Alana has its origins in the Gaelic language, specifically in Irish and Scottish Gaelic. It is derived from the old Gaelic word "alaine," which means "beautiful" or "handsome." This name has been in use since the Middle Ages in Ireland and Scotland.

Alana was a popular name among the ancient Celtic peoples who inhabited the British Isles. It is believed to have been used as early as the 5th century AD, particularly among the Irish and Scottish clans. The name is mentioned in several ancient Irish and Scottish texts, including the Annals of Ulster and the Book of Leinster.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Alana is found in the Annals of Ulster, a chronicle of medieval Irish history. The entry from the year 1092 mentions an "Alana ingen Ragnaill," which translates to "Alana, daughter of Ragnaill." This suggests that the name was in use among the Irish nobility during the 11th century.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Alana. One of the most famous was Alana of Gwynedd, a 13th-century Welsh princess who was born around 1246. She was the daughter of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the last sovereign prince of Wales.

Another notable Alana was Alana Bray, an English courtier and lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth I. She was born in the mid-16th century and served at the royal court from 1559 until her death in 1596.

In the 17th century, there was Alana Beatrice Howard, an English aristocrat and courtier. She was born in 1634 and was a member of the influential Howard family.

Moving to the 20th century, one of the most well-known Alanas was Alana Parnell, an American actress and dancer. She was born in 1923 and had a successful career on Broadway and in Hollywood, appearing in several films and television shows.

Lastly, Alana Blanchard is a professional surfer from Hawaii who was born in 1990. She has won several surfing competitions and has been a popular figure in the surfing community.

These are just a few examples of the many individuals named Alana throughout history, showcasing the enduring popularity of this beautiful Gaelic name.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Alana was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Alana, please contact us.

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