Alaina is a feminine form of Alan, a Breton name usually explained as "little rock" or "handsome", and is often treated as a variant of Elaine as well. The spelling with ai gives it a softer, more lyrical look than Alana. Alaina has been in the US top 1000 since 2000, when it ranked number 316; it peaked at number 156 in 2011, has stayed in the top 225 for the past decade and ranks number 224 in 2025.