Alayne is a unique and distinctive given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish surname Allan, which is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic personal name Ailéan. The name Ailéan is composed of two elements: ail, meaning "stone" or "rock," and éan, meaning "bird." Thus, Alayne can be interpreted as meaning "stone bird."
The name Alayne has a rich history in Scottish literature and folklore. It appears in the works of Sir Walter Scott, who used it as the name of a character in his poem "The Lady of the Lake" (1810). Additionally, there is a notable Scottish family called the Allanes or Allanaises, which can be traced back to the 13th century.
While Alayne is still considered a rare name today, it has been used by some notable individuals throughout history. For example, Alayne Spence was an Australian actress who appeared in several films during the 1940s and 1950s.
Overall, Alayne is a unique and interesting given name with a rich history and meaningful significance. Its Scottish origins and literary associations make it a distinctive choice for parents looking for a name that is both uncommon and significant.
The name Alayne experienced a significant increase in popularity from the late 1930s to the mid-1960s, with peak years being 1936 (23 births), 1964 (29 births), and 1965 (41 births). However, since then, its usage has steadily declined, with only a handful of occurrences each year from the late 1980s onwards.