Alanna is a name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "Ala", which means "harmony" or "serenity". It is also associated with the Old Norse female given name Álfdis, meaning "elf woman".
The name Alanna has been gaining popularity in recent years. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it first appeared on the list of the 1000 most popular baby girl names in the United States in 2005, and since then, its popularity has steadily increased.
There are no notable historical figures or literary characters named Alanna. However, it has been used as a character name in several works of fiction, such as the "Song of the Lioness" quartet by Tamora Pierce, where Alanna is the main character's true name, and in the television series "Once Upon a Time", where Alanna is a character introduced in season six.
In terms of its usage, Alanna is typically considered a feminine name. However, it can also be used as a masculine name due to its association with the Old Norse name Álfdis. In some cases, it may be spelled as Alana or Alannah, but the most common spelling is Alanna.
Overall, Alanna is a beautiful and unique name of Irish origin that carries the meaning of harmony or serenity. Its popularity has been growing in recent years, but it remains relatively uncommon compared to other names. Despite its lack of historical or literary significance, Alanna has been used as a character name in several works of fiction, which may contribute to its appeal for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
"Alanna was quite popular in 1989 with seven babies given this name that year."