BabyNamer http://www.babynamer.com/elaine offers the following theory:
Narrative: Though this name (Elaine) is conventionally considered to be a French-inspired variation of the Greek-derived Helen, there is evidence that it could have originated from an entirely different source.
The Arthurian legends feature a character named Elaine, who falls in love with the righteous knight Sir Lancelot. First appearing in Thomas Malory's 15th century re-telling of those tales, Le Morte d'Arthur, the character was picked up by Tennyson for his 1859 Idylls of the King. Tennyson's work was probably instrumental in introducing Elaine to the list of English girls' names.
Many names from the Arthurian legends are of ancient Celtic origin. This has led scholars to suggest a derivation for Elaine from a Welsh expression meaning ''young deer.’’
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Isn’t a young deer a fawn? So, if the above is true (or even if it isn’t) maybe in another life (or blog) I could call myself Fawn. A baby deer connotes sweet innocence. Forty years ago, that would have perfectly described me. I am still sweet sometimes. Hope there are still some fawns out there who might relate to youth and innocence.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, fawn, with reference to baby deer originates from:
"late Middle English: from Old French faon, based on Latin fetus 'offspring'; compare with fetus”
At first I was not inclined to being referred to as a fetus. Further consideration got me picturing a beginning, a new reincarnation of myself.
“Fawn,” as a verb, according to Oxford, made me re-consider it as my cup of tea:
"(of a person) give a servile display of exaggerated flattery or affection, typically in order to gain favor or advantage:
congressmen fawn over the President
(of an animal, especially a dog) show slavish devotion, especially by crawling and rubbing against someone.”
But, its origin (according to Oxford) has me thinking more positively:
“Old English fagnian ‘make or be glad’
--Elaine
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