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Alannah

Girl name · 452 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Alannah: 452 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 31 births in 1997.

Of Irish and Gaelic origin, Alannah derives from the affectionate term *a leanbh*, meaning “O child” or “darling” – a gentle endearment given as a first name. It gained modern fame through Canadian singer Alannah Myles, whose 1989 rock anthem “Black Velvet” topped charts worldwide, and Alannah Currie, percussionist and songwriter for the 1980s pop band Thompson Twins. While no major place commemorates a bearer, the name shares its root with the masculine Alan, a staple of Scottish naming lore. A beautiful variation of Alanna, Alannah has woven itself into Scottish families since the 1970s, often chosen for its lyrical, melodic feel and its nod to shared Celtic heritage across the Irish Sea.