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 #462 in 1996 — currently #456 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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 Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Alanna Rose
Floral · soft ending
Alanna Mae
Sweet · timeless
Alanna Claire
French influence · crisp
Alanna Jane
Literary · strong
Alanna Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Alanna right now?
Rising fast — up 110 spots — currently #456 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 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 | ▲ up 261 · +48% births |
| 1970 | #1139 | 103 | ▲ up 698 · +164% births |
| 1965 | #1837 | 39 | — |
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 1996:
Alanna by decade
Alanna peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s 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 | 520 | |
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 2024
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?
Gender variants 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 AA0 L AA1 N AH0. 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.