Alannah

Origin

Alannah is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name 'Aileanan', which is the plural of 'Aileán', meaning 'islands'. The name has historical mentions in Irish folklore and mythology, often associated with coastal and island regions of Ireland. It is not originally an Aboriginal or Māori name but has become popular in Australia through Irish migration and cultural influence.

Meaning

'Beautiful island' or 'delightful.' In the Australian context, it carries connotations of serenity and scenic beauty, resonating with Australia's many island and coastal landscapes.

Pronunciation

/əˈlænə/ — ah-LAH-nah. Stress on the second syllable, with a relaxed form of the 'a' vowel common in Australian English pronunciation, and the 'h' being silent.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 10 August (Feast of Saint Lawrence, also celebrated as Name Day in some Catholic calendars in Australia)
• 15 July (Māori Matariki celebration in some regions, representing new beginnings) - culturally adapted to acknowledge Indigenous New Year celebrations.
• Māori also observe Matariki, which marks the Māori New Year, though this is culturally distinct from the Irish name day.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with alannah:

• Ella and Grace (classic sister names)
• Harper and Riley (modern, unisex options)
• Lucy and Lily (flower-inspired names)

Fun Facts

• The name gained popularity in Australia during the 1980s and 1990s, influenced by popular culture and the Irish diaspora.
• Alannah is a relatively uncommon name globally but has seen regional popularity in Australia and Ireland.
• The name has a melodic sound that harmonises well with Australian English pronunciation.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name alannah:

• Charismatic
• Creative
• Serene
• Idealistic

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a soft, flowing visual quality, with elegant vowel combinations and a balanced syllabic structure that appeals in modern graphic and typographic styles.

Geographical Distribution

More popular in coastal and southern regions of Australia, including Victoria and New South Wales, where Irish heritage influences remain stronger among communities.

Numerological Significance

Name number 3, associated with expression, creativity, and social communication. It suggests a lively, optimistic personality with artistic tendencies.

Astrological Connections

Aligned with Pisces and Cancer, indicating intuitive, nurturing qualities, suitable for those born in late winter or early spring in Australia. The name is sometimes linked to the Moon, emphasizing emotional depth.

Historical Context

Famous bearers include Alannah Hill, an Australian fashion designer, and Alannah Myles, a Canadian singer; in fiction, the name appears occasionally in Australian literature and media.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name remains largely consistent across languages, with minor spelling variations in Irish and English contexts. In Māori, adapted spellings are rare and culturally sensitive.

Famous People Named alannah

• Alannah Hill (Fashion Designer)
• Alannah Myles (Singer)
• Alannah MacTiernan (Politician)

Popularity in Australia