Alina

Alina is a feminine given name used in many languages and cultures. It appears across Central and Eastern Europe, the Balkans, parts of the Nordic regions, and in the Americas, where it is often treated as an independent name rather than a short form of another name.

Etymology: The name has several possible origins. In Slavic languages, Alina is often linked to Elena or Helena, either as a diminutive, pet form, or as a given name in its own right. In Romanian and other Romance-language contexts, it can be a short form or variant of Adelina or Adeline. Because it has multiple sources, the meaning and pronunciation can vary by language and family tradition.

Usage and popularity: Alina is commonly used in Romania, Russia, Poland, Ukraine, and other Slavic-speaking areas, and has gained international use in recent decades. Pronunciation varies; commonly ah-LEE-nah or ah-LAY-nah, with stress on the second syllable in many languages, though English-speaking contexts may render it as AL-i-nə or uh-LEE-nə.

Notable people: Notable individuals named Alina include Alina Baraz, an American singer; Alina Kabaeva, a Russian rhythmic gymnast and public figure; and Alina Zagitova, a Russian figure skater and Olympic champion. Other public figures and athletes with the name exist in various countries.

In fiction: Alina Starkov is the protagonist of Leigh Bardugo's Grisha Trilogy; the character is central to the novels and the Netflix adaptation "Shadow and Bone." The name has been used for fictional characters in other works as well.

See also: Variants such as Alena, Lina.