The name Elaina has its origins in the Greek language. It is a feminine form of the male name Elijah, which is derived from the Hebrew name Eliyahu. The name Eliyahu is composed of the Hebrew elements "El," meaning "God," and "yah," referring to the Hebrew name for God.

Elaina can also be considered a variant spelling of the name Elena, which has Greek roots and means "bright one" or "shining light." This name was popularized in the 4th century by Saint Helena, the mother of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great.

The name Elaina first appeared in ancient Greek texts and literature, where it was used to represent various female characters. One notable example is the character Elaina in the ancient Greek novel "An Ephesian Tale" by Xenophon of Ephesus, written in the 2nd or 3rd century AD.

In terms of historical figures, one of the earliest recorded instances of the name Elaina is Elaina of Vidin, a Bulgarian princess who lived in the 14th century. She was the daughter of Tsar Ivan Alexander of Bulgaria and married the Serbian ruler Stefan Uroš IV Dušan.

Another notable figure with the name Elaina was Elaina Lovibond, an English actress born in 1989. She is known for her roles in films such as "St Trinian's," "Guardians of the Galaxy," and the television series "Elementary."

In the literary world, Elaina Browne was an American poet and author who lived from 1873 to 1958. She was known for her works on nature and spirituality, including the collection "Lyrics of the Road and Over-look."

Elaina Merker, born in 1942, is an American composer and pianist who has contributed significantly to the contemporary classical music scene. Her compositions have been performed by renowned orchestras and ensembles around the world.

Lastly, Elaina Garan was a Canadian ice hockey player who represented Canada at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. She helped the Canadian women's hockey team win the silver medal.