Alana
Meaning of Alana
Alana glides in on a soft Gaelic breeze, the feminine form of Alan and traditionally interpreted as “fair, handsome, cheerful one,” though Hawaiian speakers like to note it can also whisper “awakening” or “precious.” In Irish Gaelic it sings ah-LAH-nah, while most English speakers say uh-LAH-nuh—either way, the lilting rhythm feels as easy as a lullaby. Alana has been quietly charming U.S. parents for decades, hanging in the Top 400 since the late ’60s and nudging back up to No. 142 in 2024, proof that her glow never really dims. Pop culture keeps her current: think musician-turned-actress Alana Haim or beloved fantasy heroine Alanna of Trebond (close enough to lend stardust). The name balances strength and sweetness—picture a sun-kissed cliff where wildflowers meet steadfast stone—so an Alana can be equally at home exploring tide pools or leading the school debate team. For families hunting a name that feels familiar but not over-worn, grounded yet breezy, Alana offers a versatile little beacon, ready to shine on birth announcements, playground roll calls, and beyond.
Pronunciation
Irish Gaelic
- Pronunced as ah-LAH-nah (/a:ˈla:nax/)
English
- Pronunced as uh-LAH-nuh (/əˈlænə/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Alana
| Alana Beard is an American former WNBA star, a Duke alum drafted second overall by the Washington Mystics in 2004, who later starred for the Los Angeles Sparks, was a two time Defensive Player of the Year, retired in 2020, and was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025. |
| Alana de la Garza is an American actress best known for playing Connie Rubirosa in the Law and Order franchise and for roles in CSI Miami, Forever, Criminal Minds Beyond Borders, and the FBI franchise. |
| Alana Rene Blanchard is an American pro surfer and model who has competed on the ASP World Tour. |
| Alana Boyd - Alana Quade is an Australian former pole vaulter and Olympian. |
| Alana Tadege Gebremariam is a Belarusian pro-democracy activist and feminist who became the first woman of African ancestry to run in the 2019 general election. |
| Alana Woodward is a former AFLW player who represented Sydney, Richmond and St Kilda. |
