Elaine \e-lai-ne\ as a girl's name is pronounced ee-LAYNE. It is of Greek origin, and the meaning of Elaine is "sun ray, shining light". French variant of Helen. In the King Arthur myths, Elaine is a character who fell in love with Lancelot. Literary: Tennyson's poetry "Idylls of the King" may have promoted 19th-century revival of the name. May also be derived from Welsh with the meaning "hind" or "fawn". See also Roselaine. Comedienne Elayne Boosler; film director Elaine May.
Elaine has 22 variant forms: Alaina, Alayna, Alayne, Allaine, Elaene, Elaina, Elaini, Elana, Elane, Elanna, Elayna, Elayne, Elle, Elliana, Ellie, Ellaine, Ellane, Ellayne, Helaine, Laine, Lainey and Layney.
For more information, see also related names Alana, Elnora and Eleanor.