Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Blaine

Blaine is the anglicized version of the Scottish-Gaelic personal name Bláan which had its origins as a nickname, a diminutive of the Gaelic “blá” meaning “yellow”, probably given to a blonde or yellow-faired fellow. The name was made famous by a 6th century Scottish saint, Saint Bláan, who was born on the western Scottish Isle of Bute. Educated in Ireland, Bláan returned to Scotland to perform Christian missionary work among the ancient pagan Picts (a now extinct Scottish/Celtic tribe). Saint Bláan became legendary among the Scots for miraculously bringing a dead boy back to life. Remarkably, ruins of St. Bláan’s ancient church in Bute still stand today; it is also where the venerated saint (who died in 590) is buried. The name Bláan has since been anglicized to Blane and Blaine. Outside of Scotland, the name gained wider usage by the 19th century.

All About the Baby Name – Blaine

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME BLAINE

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME BLAINE

Blaine has a long history of usage in the United States dating all the way back to the late 19th century. Not only that, but since the early 20th century, Blaine is a name that has enjoyed moderate and consistent usage. Never super popular, overused or trendy, Blaine remains a familiar yet original choice today. We don’t know why exactly but Blaine sounds so refined and upper-class. This simple one-syllable gently handsome name is loaded with ancient Scottish charm. Blair and Blaine are names that just conjure up an image of schoolboys at the high-brow prep-school Eton in England. Some might even argue pretentious. Remember the character Blane in the 1986 teenage-angst film “Pretty in Pink”? Played by a young Andrew McCarthy, Blane was a “preppie” rich kid whose snobby friends foiled his attempts at forming a romantic relationship with a working-class girl (played by Molly Ringwald). Classic 1980s stuff. Some parents might find Blaine a little too “plain” or edging too close into the unisex category. However, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback, Blaine Gabbert, has helped to remind parents just how cool a name like Blaine is. Furthermore, the “yellow” etymology feels symbolic of brightness and happiness, like sunshine. A great choice for a blonde baby boy of Scottish heritage.

Quick Facts

ON BLAINE

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Celtic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

1

RANKING POPULARITY:

579

PRONUNCIATION:

BLAYN

SIMPLE MEANING:

Yellow

Characteristics

OF BLAINE

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Blaine

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME BLAINE

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Blaine

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME BLAINE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Blaine


Popular Songs

ON BLAINE

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Blaine


Famous People

NAMED BLAINE

Blaine Gabbert (football player)

Children of Famous People

NAMED BLAINE

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Blaine

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME BLAINE

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Blaine