Elaine

See also: elaine

English

Etymology

From Old French Elaine, a variant of Elene, cognate to Helen, ultimately from Ancient Greek Ἑλένη (Helénē). A Celtic origin has also been suggested since the name appears in Arthurian legend.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɪˈleɪn/, /iːˈleɪn/
• Rhymes: -eɪn

Proper noun

Elaine

1. A female given name from Ancient Greek.
   • 1859 Alfred Tennyson: Lancelot and Elaine:

     Elaine the fair, Elaine the lovable,

     Elaine, the lily maid of Astolat,

     High in her chamber up a tower to the east

     Guarded the sacred shield of Lancelot;

   • 1988 Margaret Atwood: Cat's Eye: page 278:

     My own mother named me after her best friend, as women did in those days. Elaine, which I once found too plaintive. I wanted something more definite, a monosyllable: Dot or Pat, like a foot set down. Nothing you could make a mistake about; nothing watery. But my name has solidified around me, with time. I think of it as tough but pliable now, like a well-worn glove.

Anagrams

• Aileen, aliene, lineae