View Message

Apart from being confined to people over 40, you mean? I don't think it was ever a very distinguished name: from the lily maid of Astolat in Tennyson to the dainty commuter in Betjeman, Elaines have lacked individuality and spunk. As have Ellens. Eleanor and Helen are so good that I'm not surprised they've elbowed Elaine aside.

I really like Elaine, but I do think it's a tad dated, mainly because it has a relatively mature sound and it's most common on older women these days.

I find Elaine dated too even though I've only known a handful of them. I suppose it was because they were all older. But when I think about it, Elaine has a nice sound with adorable nns (Ellie, Lainey) so I'm surprised it isn't more common.

---

Between Elaine and Ellen, I've always found Ellen more cultured, more refined, more classic even though I realize that's not the case.

People find it dated for the reason you mentioned: it is mainly seen on the over 40s.

I like it, because I'm a big fan of Elaine Paige, but it's not one of my favourite names. It feels a bit dated.

It's always baffled me why the gorgeous Elaine isn't so popular. The nickname Laine is right there!

I have an Aunt Elaine who is 51, but I also know a ten year old named Elaine. I think it's a beautiful name, and were it not my Aunt's name I would likely be suggesting it to DBF. I think people might not think of it for little girls because it does have a very grown up sound, not in that it's dated, but it feels very professional and mature to me, not sure why. Lainey solves that though imo. I give the name two thumbs up.

I love it just because it's Arthurian... I don't know any Elaines, but I know a teenage Elaina.

I like Elaine. I don't understand why it's considered dated either. I think it has a lovely sound. It's the reason I like Lorraine as well.

I absolutely LOVE Elaine. I love the variations too (Elena, Alaina, etc)
I know a girl named Elaine who is 21, and she is just divine. But you are right, other than her I don't know anyone named Elaine that is younger.

---

I have no idea why it's considered "dated" - I didn't even know people thougt that.
Elaine would make a great MN as well, and as a FN it has some really cute NNs too - Elle, Ellie, Lane, Laney, etc.

I'm not keen on it but I know one Elaine in her 20's; she goes by Lainey sometimes

Given the connection to Arthurian legend, I'm also surprised Elaine isn't more popular. I quite like it and don't find that it sounds "dated" or "old" or "stuffy" at all. The only two bearers I know are just into their forties.

Good question. I never hear it on anyone under sixty! Elaine is one of those names that I consider an inferior derivative/version of the more classic Ellen (I know nothing about the etymology of Elaine, it's just my association). I guess I just wonder why anyone would select Elaine over Ellen...which, now that I write it, is really a silly way to think.