Elaina is a modern spelling of Elena, the Spanish, Italian and Russian form of Helen, which comes from the Greek helene and means "torch" or "shining light". The spelling with -aina keeps the stress on the second syllable, as in Alaina, and separates it from the older Elaine. Elaina has been in the US top 1000 all century, rose from number 506 in 2000 to a peak of number 250 in 2020 and ranks number 267 among girls' names in 2025.