Elaine
GirlFrench
Elaine is a girl name of French origin meaning "bright, shining light; symbol of illumination".
About this name
Gender
Girl
Language
French
Religion
Christian
Popularity
22 / 100
Syllables
2
Length
6 letters
Meaning
bright, shining light; symbol of illumination
Etymology
From Old French 'Elaine', a variant of Greek 'Helene' meaning 'torch' or 'light'.
Famous People Named Elaine
- Elaine Paige — English singer, stage actress and radio presenter
- Elaine May — American screenwriter, film director, actress, and comedian (b. 1932)
- Elaine Hendrix — American actress
- Elaine Stritch — American actress and singer in film, television, and the theatre (1925–2014)
- Elaine de Kooning — American painter (1918-1989)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elaine
What does the name Elaine mean?
Elaine means "bright, shining light; symbol of illumination", and is of French origin.
What is the origin of the name Elaine?
Elaine originates from French, commonly used in Western Europe.
Is Elaine a boy or girl name?
Elaine is typically used as a girl name.
What religion is the name Elaine associated with?
Elaine is associated with Christian.
Are there famous people named Elaine?
Yes — notable people named Elaine include Elaine Paige (English singer), Elaine May (American screenwriter, b. 1932), Elaine Hendrix (American actress), Elaine Stritch (American actress and singer in film, 1925–2014) and Elaine de Kooning (American painter, 1918-1989).
Last updated: June 2026