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Allen

♂ Boy

Pronounced AL-en /ˈæl.ən/High

Meaning: Anglicised spelling of Alan, from Old Breton Alaun, possibly related to Celtic elements meaning 'little rock,' 'harmony,' or 'noble'; exact etymology is disputedMedium

In 30 seconds: Allen is a solid, understated Anglo-Celtic classic — a variant of Alan — that has served generations of American men with quiet reliability since the colonial era.
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Origin HighCeltic, Old Breton
MeaningAnglicised spelling of Alan, from Old Breton Alaun, possibly related to Celtic elements meaning 'little rock,' 'harmony,' or 'noble'; exact etymology is disputed
U.S. rank (2025)#578 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births507 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1951
Total births (all-time)≈ 271,789

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 195118802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Allen is an anglicised spelling variant of Alan, which entered England via Old Breton-speaking Norman settlers after 1066. The Breton name Alaun may derive from a Celtic root meaning 'little rock' or possibly from a word meaning 'harmony.' Its exact etymology remains debated among scholars, but its Norman pedigree is well documented.

Allen became a common American spelling in the 19th century, often used interchangeably with Alan and Allan. It peaked in U.S. popularity during the mid-20th century, carried by figures such as comedian Woody Allen and abolitionist John Brown's son-in-law. Today it reads as a steady, unfussy classic.

Did you know? The name Alan/Allen was carried to England by Breton knights who came with William the Conqueror in 1066, making it one of the oldest Norman-era names still in everyday use in the English-speaking world.
Overall data confidence 82%
Behind the Name — Allen — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AlanAllanAlain

Nicknames

Al

Famous Bearers

  • ★Allen Ginsberg (1926–1997)
    American Beat Generation poet, author of Howl.
  • ★Allen Iverson (1975–present)
    NBA Hall of Fame basketball player, 2001 MVP.

If you like Allen…

Alan— the primary spelling of the same Celtic-origin name
Alec— similarly crisp Celtic-rooted English name with a classic feel
Colin— Anglo-Celtic two-syllable classic with the same steady reliability
Grant— short, strong Anglo-Celtic boys' name with the same unfussy appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Allen mean?

Allen is a variant of Alan, from Old Breton possibly meaning 'little rock,' 'harmony,' or 'noble,' though the exact origin is debated.

How do you pronounce Allen?

It is said AL-en — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Allen a boy or girl name?

Allen is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Allen?

Allen was a top-100 boys' name in the U.S. through much of the 20th century and remains in regular use today.