Alain is a masculine given name of French origin. It is derived from the Germanic name Adalhelm, which consists of the elements "adal" meaning noble and "helm" meaning helmet. Thus, Alain means "noble protector".
The name Alain has been in use for centuries in France and other French-speaking regions. It was popular among the nobility during the Middle Ages, and several notable historical figures have borne this name, such as Alain IV of Brittany, who ruled in the 12th century.
Today, Alain remains a common given name in France, Belgium, and other French-speaking countries. It is also found in Canada, where it is popular among the Franco-Canadian population. While its popularity has fluctuated over time, it continues to be chosen by parents for their sons.
Overall, the name Alain carries a rich history and a strong meaning that reflects its Germanic origins. It is a classic choice for a boy's name that has stood the test of time.
The name Alain has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States, as indicated by the annual birth statistics provided.
In the early to mid-20th century, from 1942 to 1956, there was a steady increase in the number of babies named Alain. The lowest point during this period was in 1942 with only 5 births, while the highest was in 1956 with 24 births.
The popularity of the name peaked in the late 1960s to early 1980s, reaching its zenith in 1984 with 74 births. This period saw a significant increase from the previous decade, suggesting that there was a greater preference for the name Alain during this time.
However, since the mid-1980s, the popularity of the name has gradually decreased. The most recent data available, up to 2023, shows that the number of babies named Alain at birth is significantly lower than it was in the past. In 2023, there were 51 births, which is the highest recorded since 2016 but still far from the peak in the late 80s.
Overall, while the name Alain has seen fluctuations in popularity over the years, it remains a name that continues to be given to newborn babies in the United States. Despite the decrease in its popularity compared to its peak, it is still among the names chosen for babies born today.