Layne

Layne is a name used as both a surname and a given name in English-speaking regions. It is commonly treated as a variant spelling of Lane and Laine, with Layne historically linked to the Old English word for a lane or road. As a given name, Layne has been used for both males and females, and in modern usage it is often chosen for its contemporary, undemanding sound.

Notable people with the given name Layne include Layne Beachley (born 1972), an Australian professional surfer who is a multiple-time world champion and a prominent figure in women’s surfing. Layne Staley (1967–2002) was an American musician best known as the lead singer of the rock band Alice in Chains, a key influence in the grunge movement of the 1990s. These individuals illustrate the name’s cross-gender appeal and its presence in public life.

In broader usage, Layne remains less common as a surname than as a given name, but it appears in various cultural and historical contexts as a variant of Lane. The name is often associated with simplicity and straightforwardness, characteristics that have contributed to its enduring presence in English-language naming.

Related names include Lane, Laine, and Layn, which share the same roots and offer similar phonetic and stylistic options. Layne can also appear in different spellings or transliterations across regions, reflecting its flexible place in contemporary naming traditions.