What does Alanna mean and where does it come from?
Alanna is a feminine name that is deeply rooted in Irish culture, though it has found popularity in the United States. It is often considered a modern name and has been used since the late 20th century. Notable people include Alanna Masterson, an American actress known for her role on 'The Walking D
Cultural significance
Alanna has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of beautiful.
Peak popularity
Reached #280 in 2025 — currently #280 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Alanna?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Alanna?
Alanna works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Alanna Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Alanna Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Alanna Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Alanna Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Alanna Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Alanna Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Alanna right now?
Rising — up 10 spots — currently #280 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #280 | 1,099 | ▲ up 10 |
| 2024 | #290 | 1,098 | ▲ up 166 · +62% births |
| 2023 | #456 | 677 | ▲ up 110 · +28% births |
| 2022 | #566 | 530 | ▼ down 7 · -3% births |
| 2021 | #559 | 548 | ▲ up 1 · +5% births |
| 2020 | #560 | 520 | ▼ down 51 · -16% births |
| 2015 | #509 | 619 | ▲ up 10 · +8% births |
| 2010 | #519 | 573 | ▼ down 24 · -7% births |
| 2005 | #495 | 618 | ▲ up 3 · +14% births |
| 2000 | #498 | 541 | ▲ up 10 · +12% births |
| 1995 | #508 | 481 | ▼ down 35 · -7% births |
| 1990 | #473 | 520 | ▲ up 157 · +75% births |
| 1985 | #630 | 297 | ▲ up 56 · +18% births |
| 1980 | #686 | 252 | ▲ up 192 · +66% births |
| 1975 | #878 | 152 | — |
The story of Alanna
Alanna entered American naming records in 1930 and has been in use for over 94 years. A total of 23,037 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3343 in 1930 to #456 in 2023. Alanna is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Alanna in 2025:
Alanna by decade
Alanna peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1930s | 25 | |
| 1940s | 175 | |
| 1950s | 423 | |
| 1960s | 499 | |
| 1970s | 1,449 | |
| 1980s | 2,923 | |
| 1990s | 5,030 | |
| 2000s ★ | 6,171 | |
| 2010s | 5,822 | |
| 2020s | 2,717 | |
What are good nicknames for Alanna?
Famous people named Alanna
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Alanna (Celtic chieftain)
Alanna bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.
A(
Alanna (Irish revolutionary)
Alanna carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.
A(
Alanna (traditional Irish musician)
Alanna passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.
A(
Alanna (Celtic chieftain)
Alanna bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Alanna?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Alanna also consider these
How is Alanna written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Alanna?
Common questions about the name Alanna
What does the name Alanna mean?
Alanna means "Beautiful" — a name rooted in Irish tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Alanna?
Alanna is currently ranked #456 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Alanna have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Alanna?
Alanna originates from Irish tradition. Irish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Alanna?
Alanna is a three-syllable name pronounced ah-LAH-nuh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Alanna?
Alanna pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Irish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.