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Alannah Girl

Popularity: #807 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: ah-LAN-ah //əˈlænə//

Origin: Irish; Gaelic

Meaning: Irish: 'little rock'; Gaelic: 'harmony'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Alannah has its roots in the Irish language, deriving from the word "alainn," which means "beautiful" or "pretty." The name is often considered a variant of the name "Alana," which itself has origins in both Irish and Old Breton, where it is derived from the word "alan," meaning "little rock" or "harmony." The transition of Alannah into English can be traced through the influence of Irish culture and language, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries when Irish names began to gain recognition outside of Ireland, especially in English-speaking countries. Historically, the name Alannah, along with its variants, has been associated with various figures in Irish folklore and literature.

The name's connection to beauty resonates with the cultural ideals of femininity in Irish mythology, where beauty often symbolizes strength and virtue. The name has also been linked to the Gaelic term "leanbh," meaning "child," which further emphasizes its affectionate and endearing qualities.

While specific historical milestones for the name Alannah are less documented compared to more prominent names, its usage in literature and poetry throughout the 19th century reflects the romanticization of Irish culture during that period. Culturally, Alannah embodies a sense of heritage and identity, often evoking images of the lush landscapes and rich traditions of Ireland.

The name is sometimes associated with themes of nature and femininity, reinforcing its appeal in various artistic expressions. Additionally, diminutive forms such as "Ally" or "Lana" have emerged, providing affectionate alternatives that maintain the essence of the original name.

Overall, Alannah stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Irish linguistic and cultural influences.

Famous people named Alannah

Alannah Myles is a singer-songwriter best known for Black Velvet, Love Is, and Rockinghorse.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Alannah was first seen in the United States in 1948. Alannah has ranked as high as #1027 nationally, which occurred in 2015, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Alannah has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Alannah (2024)

State Births Share
CA 21
20%
FL 17
16%
TX 15
14%
NY 10
10%
PA 8
8%
OH 7
7%
TN 6
6%
GA 5
5%
IL 5
5%
MA 5
5%
NJ 5
5%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19486
198415
198519
198618
198717
198812
198912
1990202
1991143
199290
1993101
199482
199594
1996113
1997118
1998106
1999128
2000115
2001173
2002141
2003189
2004216
2005197
2006237
2007272
2008288
2009267
2010263
2011283
2012315
2013303
2014284
2015370
2016320
2017293
2018312
2019260
2020228
2021206
2022170
2023146
2024143