Laney Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Laney originates from the English derivation of Elena, meaning 'light' or 'torch'. It has evolved through various forms such as Elena and Helena. The name represents traits of brightness and vitality. There is no biblical relevance associated with it. Laney has seen a rise in popularity as a feminine name since the late 20th century, often viewed positively in modern contexts.
The name Laney is most popular in Oklahoma, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Laney has been falling for female in MidWest, too falling for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Laney' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5729th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3355th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2885th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5920th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 14347th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 18006th out of 24088 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3692nd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5006th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4692nd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4141st out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2199th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 630th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 683rd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Laney' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Laney"
Pronunciation
/ˈleɪni/
Origin
English
Etymology
The name Laney is derived from the name Elena, which has roots in Greek meaning 'light' or 'torch'. It can also be associated with the surname Lane, which is derived from Old English 'lanu' meaning 'a lane' or 'a small road'.
Meaning
light, torch, lane
Language Evolution
Elena, Helena, Laney
Historical Usage
Laney gained popularity in the late 20th century as a feminine given name, often used as a diminutive form of names like Elaine or Elena.
Variants & Derivatives
Laney, Lainey, Lainie
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Laney is perceived as modern and friendly, often associated with a youthful and vibrant personality.
Famous People
Laney Boggs (fictional character from 'She’s All That'), Laney Smith (a notable figure in contemporary media)
Explore More Laney Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Laney"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Laney"
"Laney" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 5729th of 7545 | 19 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3355th of 6773 | 91 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2885th of 7552 | 155 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5920th of 10718 | 44 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 14347th of 16616 | 10 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 18006th of 24088 | 17 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 3692nd of 9107 | 109 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 5006th of 9204 | 55 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 4692nd of 12526 | 134 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 4141st of 19264 | 231 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2199th of 27321 | 875 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 630th of 35406 | 7,076 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 683rd of 30306 | 5,099 |
Regional Popularity of "Laney" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Laney" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - |
94.04% 3803rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
58.72% 2164th/3685 |
- |
31.40% 1631st/5194 |
51.75% 3269th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
10.48% 480th/4582 |
22.42% 1158th/5164 |
6.96% 509th/7313 |
14.70% 1097th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
12.90% 514th/3984 |
24.49% 1099th/4487 |
8.78% 599th/6822 |
14.90% 935th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Laney"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Laney" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.