Lainey

Lainey is a modern diminutive of Elaine which in turn is the Welsh form of Helen, originating from the Greek Hēlēnē. Helen of course was the famous beauty of the Trojan War story in Greek mythology. There are two possible etymologies for this Greek name. One, it’s a form of “hēlios” which is the Greek word for “sun” so Helen is thought to mean “ray of light” or “sunbeam”. Secondly, it could have originated from the Greek word for “Greek” (Hellēn) but this is not widely held (think: Hellenistic culture of ancient Greece). Given the legendary beauty of Helen of Troy (the face that could launch a thousand ships), a sunbeam or ray of light seems much more fitting from an etymological perspective. (For more information, see the name Helen) In any case, this ancient name of Greek origin produced many variations in different languages throughout Europe such as Helen, Hélѐne, Ellen, Elaine, Eleanor, Ella and even Nell. Laney and Lainey developed as modern English diminutives of Elaine.