Alana

The first name Alana is a female form of the name Alan, adopted from the English-speaking world in the 1980s, which has different origins and meanings. On one hand, Alana has Breton or Celtic roots.

What does the name Alana mean?

The first name Alana is a female form of the name Alan, adopted from the English-speaking world in the 1980s, which has different origins and meanings. On one hand, Alana has Breton or Celtic roots and was introduced to England by the Normans in the Middle Ages. It is derived from the diminutive form of the Celtic element al meaning 'the rock', thus the name means 'the little rock'. On the other hand, Alana likely derives from the name of the Alans or Alani (an Indo-European nomadic people north of Persia) with the possible meaning 'the woman from the people of the Alans'; this interpretation is probably most common in Eastern countries. Lastly, there may also be a connection to the Irish word alan, which means 'handsome', 'stately', or 'peaceful', or to the Celtic expression alun for 'harmony'. Thus, the name is sometimes attributed meanings such as 'the beautiful', 'the stately', and 'the cheerful'. However, this derivation is considered the least likely from a scientific perspective. A broader connection of the name to the Hawaiian language also exists. Lani (without A) means 'the sky' or 'the awakening', and lani keiki is interpreted as 'the child of the sky'. In Germany, the first name is increasingly popular, also in the forms Alanis and Alani. Other variants include Alanah, Alaina, Alaine, and Alayna.

Where does the name Alana come from?

Etymology Alana is a female first name of Celtic origin with meanings such as 'the little rock' or 'the one from the people of the Alans' and others. Caucasian Celtic

How do you pronounce Alana?

Sound & pronunciation of Alana: The name Alana is three syllables and softly structured. In German pronunciation, it is usually pronounced as 'A-la-na' [aˈlaːna], starting with an open A sound that conveys openness. The stressed middle syllable brings warmth to the sound. The open final 'a' provides a harmonious ending. Alana thus appears feminine and melodic - modern, soft, and sonorous.

Popularity

Alana is a very popular first name in Germany. Currently, it ranks 623rd in the list of the most common female baby names. Its best ranking was achieved in 2023 at 618th place. In the last ten years, Alana has been given as a first name approximately 520 times, placing it 820th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 906th.

Nicknames & pet names

Al / Ala / Alanawaka / Alani / Alanis / Ally / Ana / Lale / Lana / Lanchen / Lani / Lanny / Nana

Similar first names

Famous people

• Alana Beard (* 1982), American basketball player
• Alana Blahoski (ice hockey player from America)
• Alana Blanchard (professional surfer)
• Alana Bock (actress)
• Alana Boyd (* 1984), Australian pole vaulter
• Alana Bridgewater (Canadian actress)
• Alana Cash (American writer)
• Alana Cordy-Collins (American archaeologist)
• Alana Dante (Belgian singer)
• Alana Davis (American musician)
• Alana de la Garza (American actress)
• Alana Evans (pornographic actress)
• Alana Grace (singer and songwriter)
• Alana Hamilton (first wife of Rod Stewart)
• Alana I. Capria (American writer)
• Alana Lee (American model)
• Alana Levandoski (Canadian musician)
• Alana Locke (American actress)
• Alana Marshall (British football player)
• Alana Miller (Canadian squash player)