"harmony, peaceful, beautiful"
Origin: Celtic Irish
Language: English
Alana
Pronunciation: [ ahl-AN-uh ]
Girl Name
#143 Most Popular
Steady
3 Syllables
Celtic tenderness meets universal harmony
Irish
Scottish
English
Hawaiian
American
Elegant
Gentle
Classic
Traditional
Meaning & Origin
"dear child, my child"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: Irish
"rock or comely"
Origin: Old High German
Language: English
"precious child, darling"
Origin: Celtic/Gaelic
Language: Irish
"awakening, offering"
Origin: Hawaiian
Language: Hawaiian
"harmony, handsome"
Origin: Breton/Celtic
Language: English
The Story of Alana
Alana has dual origins that make it particularly versatile. In Celtic and Gaelic tradition, it derives from 'alanna' (also spelled a leanbh), an Irish and Scottish term of endearment meaning 'dear child' or 'darling.' Separately, it functions as a feminine form of Alan, whose own etymology is uncertain but possibly from the Breton 'aluinn' meaning 'handsome' or from a Celtic root meaning 'harmony.' In Hawaiian, Alana means 'awakening' or 'offering,' giving the name a Pacific dimension.
Alana has been a quiet, consistent presence in English-speaking name charts since the 1950s, never reaching blockbuster popularity but always ranking respectably. It gained new attention in the 2020s as parents sought elegant, flowing alternatives to the more popular Elena and Alicia.
The name bridges Irish, Scottish, and Hawaiian cultures, making it unusually cross-cultural. In Ireland and Scotland it remains a traditional term of endearment. In Hawaii, the name has been borne by several prominent native Hawaiians. The name was brought to wider English attention partly through actress Alana Stewart.
Fun Facts
- Alana is one of the few names with genuine roots in both Celtic and Polynesian cultures
- In Irish, 'a leanbh' (from which Alana derives) is still used as a term of endearment today
- Alana is among the most popular girl's names in Hawaii
Alana in Other Languages
Irish
Alanna
French
Alana
Italian
Alana
Spanish
Alana
Hawaiian
Alana
Famous People Named Alana
A
Alana Thompson (Honey Boo Boo)
Entertainer
2005
American reality TV personality who rose to fame on Toddlers & Tiaras
A
Alana Haim
Musician
1991
American musician and actress, member of the pop-rock band HAIM and star of Licorice Pizza
A
Alana Stewart
Other
1945
American model and actress, ex-wife of George Hamilton and Rod Stewart
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #143
- Total SSA Count
- 2,054
- Cultural Origins
- Irish Scottish English Hawaiian American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Lana
Ali
Allie
Pairs Well With
Alana Grace
Alana Marie
Alana Rose
Alana Faith
Alana Jane
Alana Claire
Alana Renee
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Alana is also used as a boy name, ranked #16012.
View Alana as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Alana
What does the name Alana mean?
"harmony, peaceful, beautiful" (from Celtic Irish). "dear child, my child" (from Irish Gaelic). "rock or comely" (from Old High German). "precious child, darling" (from Celtic/Gaelic). "awakening, offering" (from Hawaiian). "harmony, handsome" (from Breton/Celtic). Alana has dual origins that make it particularly versatile. In Celtic and Gaelic tradition, it derives from 'alanna' (also spelled a leanbh), an Irish and Scottish term of endearment meaning 'dear child' or 'darling.' Separately, it functions as a feminine form of Alan, whose own etymology is uncertain but possibly from the Breton 'aluinn' meaning 'handsome' or from a Celtic root meaning 'harmony.' In Hawaiian, Alana means 'awakening' or 'offering,' giving the name a Pacific dimension.
What is the origin of the name Alana?
Alana has Celtic Irish, Irish Gaelic, Old High German, Celtic/Gaelic, Hawaiian, Breton/Celtic, Irish, Scottish, English, and American origins. In Celtic Irish, it means "harmony, peaceful, beautiful". In Irish Gaelic, it means "dear child, my child". In Old High German, it means "rock or comely". In Celtic/Gaelic, it means "precious child, darling". In Hawaiian, it means "awakening, offering". In Breton/Celtic, it means "harmony, handsome".
Is Alana a boy or girl name?
Alana is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #143. As a boy name, it is ranked #16012. Alana is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Alana?
Alana is pronounced ahl-AN-uh.
How popular is the name Alana?
Alana is currently ranked #143 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Alana?
Common nicknames for Alana include Lana, Ali, and Allie.
What are good middle names for Alana?
Popular middle name pairings include Alana Grace, Alana Marie, Alana Rose, Alana Faith, Alana Jane, Alana Claire, and Alana Renee.
What are good sibling names for Alana?
Names that pair well with Alana as siblings include Fiona, Sienna, Declan, Liam, Brynn, Ronan, and Calla.
How many syllables does Alana have?
Alana has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Alana a common or rare name?
Alana is a popular name, ranked #143 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Alana
Alana is a girl name with Irish, Scottish, English, Hawaiian, and American origins . The name means "harmony, peaceful, beautiful" in Celtic Irish .
Is Alana a boy or girl name? Alana is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #143 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #16,012. Alana is more commonly used as a girl name.
Alana is currently ranked #143 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Alana has 3 syllables and is pronounced ahl-AN-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Alana include Lana, Ali, and Allie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Alana include Alani, Alanna, Alannah, Alanis, Alanah . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.