Alanna

female

Origin

Alanna is of Old Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name 'Alan', a name of uncertain etymology, possibly from a Celtic word meaning 'rock' or 'handsome'. The feminine form, Alanna, emerged in English and Irish contexts, gaining popularity in English-speaking countries. In Australia, it is primarily used as a given name without specific Aboriginal or Māori roots.

Meaning

Literal translation is 'little rock' or 'beautiful harmony'. In Australian English contexts, it connotes qualities of strength, natural beauty, and resilience.

Pronunciation

/əˈlɑːnə/ – ah-LAH-nah, with emphasis on the second syllable, following Australian English pronunciation patterns. The 'a' in the first syllable is schwa, typical in unstressed syllables.

Variants & Nicknames

Variants

  • Alana (more common spelling)
  • Alanna (variant used in Australia)
  • Allana (less common, alternative spelling)

Nicknames

  • Alli
  • Allie
  • Annie

Name Days

  • 19 August (Feast of Saint Alina)
  • 6 February (World Indigenous Australians Day, recognising cultural diversity) — secondary commemoration for cultural significance in Australia.
  • 20 April (Anzac Day, honoring Australian and New Zealand soldiers, sometimes associated with names commemorating resilience and sacrifice in patriotic contexts)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with alanna:

  • Liam and Alanna
  • Sophie and Alanna
  • Mia and Alanna, or Alanna paired with traditional or Indigenous names.

Fun Facts

  • Alanna saw a rise in popularity in Australia during the late 20th century, influenced by global media and literature.
  • The name is sometimes associated with fictional characters in Australian literature and media.
  • There are no major geographical concentration trends, but it remains a popular choice across urban and regional areas.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name alanna:

  • Strong
  • Natural
  • Resilient
  • Elegant
  • Creative

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a balanced, gentle visual appeal, with a symmetrical structure that is aesthetically pleasing. It pairs well with both modern and traditional names.

Geographical Distribution

Fairly evenly distributed across Australian states, with slight increases in urban centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, likely influenced by media exposure and multicultural naming trends.

Numerological Significance

Name number is 7 (based on the Pythagorean system), associated with introspection, spirituality, and depth, aligning with Australia’s appreciation for thoughtful, meaningful names.

Astrological Connections

No specific astrological associations, but the name's qualities suggest harmony with planetary influences like Venus (beauty) and Neptune (dreams). Plenty of Australians consider astrological traits in naming.

Historical Context

While not linked to specific historical figures, Alanna gained cultural prominence through its use in popular literature and media. A notable bearer is Australian actress Alanna Bloom, known for her work in theatre and television.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well across various languages, maintaining pronunciation and spelling in English-speaking countries; less variation is observed internationally outside of linguistic transliterations.

Famous People Named alanna

  • Alanna Bloom (Actress)
  • Alanna Kennedy (Soccer Player)
  • Alanna Kaye (Musician)

Popularity in Australia

Year Count
2017 2
2016 3
2015 4
2014 1