Aleen is a unique and uncommon given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname O'Leannain, which means "descendant of Leanach." Leanach was likely a personal name or nickname meaning "little bright one" or "little brave one," though its exact derivation is uncertain.
The name Aleen is believed to have been first used as a given name in the late 19th or early 20th century, although it remains relatively obscure even today. It has never appeared among the Social Security Administration's list of most popular baby names in the United States, indicating that very few people bear this name.
Despite its rarity, Aleen is a charming and distinctive name with a rich Irish heritage. Its meaning, "little bright one," suggests a child who is radiant, energetic, and full of light. This association may make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique yet meaningful name for their daughter.
In terms of variants and related names, Aleen does not have many alternatives. However, it could be considered alongside other Irish names with similar meanings or sounds, such as Aoife ("beautiful" or "radiant"), Niamh ("radiance"), or Leanagh (a direct feminine form of Leanach). Ultimately, the name Aleen stands alone as a unique and captivating choice for parents seeking an uncommon yet significant name for their child.
The name Aleen experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century and a half, with peaks occurring around World War I and again after the year 2000. The highest number of births recorded was in 2021, with 71 newborn girls named Aleen. Despite its peaks, however, the name has never been particularly common, with most years seeing fewer than 25 births.