Happy Halloween! Today let’s look at the name Aleera, which first appeared in the U.S. baby name data in 2005:
- 2007: 7 baby girls named Aleera
- 2006: 8 baby girls named Aleera
- 2005: 12 baby girls named Aleera [debut]
- 2004: unlisted
- 2003: unlisted
What put it there?
The action/gothic horror film Van Helsing, which was released in mid-2004.
Set in Transylvania in the 1880s, the movie and depicted legendary monster-hunter Gabriel Van Helsing (played by Hugh Jackman) battling Dracula and his three brides: Verona, Marishka, and Aleera.
All three vampire-brides were slayed over the course of the film — Marishka first, Verona second, and Aleera third. Because Aleera (played by Spanish actress Elena Anaya) lasted the longest, it seems logical to assume that she had the biggest influence on movie-going audiences.
The name Verona saw a slight rise in usage in 2004, and this could have been due to the film as well. Same with the name Marishka, though the even-steeper rise of Mariska makes me suspect that both names were influenced by SVU actress Mariska Hargitay rather than by Dracula’s bride.
What are your thoughts on the name Aleera? Which of the three brides’ names do you like most?
Sources: Van Helsing – Rotten Tomatoes, Van Helsing (film) – Wikipedia, SSA
Image: Screenshot of Van Helsing