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Alan
Pronounced AL-un /ΛΓ¦l.Ιn/High
Meaning: Little rock or harmony β Breton/Celtic name of disputed meaning; proposed derivations include Breton alan (harmony) and Celtic ail (rock)Medium
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Alan (also spelled Allan or Allen) is a Breton Celtic name of uncertain origin. Proposed etymologies include Breton alan (harmony, peace) and Celtic ail (rock). The name was introduced to Britain by Breton companions of William the Conqueror in 1066, most notably Alan Rufus, one of the wealthiest men in post-Conquest England.
Alan has been a steady English-speaking boys' name since the 11th century. It was particularly popular in Britain and North America in the mid-20th century. Famous bearers include mathematician Alan Turing and actors Alan Alda and Alan Rickman. It has declined somewhat from its mid-century peak but remains in common use.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
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Alan Turing (1912β1954)British mathematician and computer science pioneer who cracked the Enigma code in World War II.
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Alan Rickman (1946β2016)British actor acclaimed for roles in Die Hard, the Harry Potter series, and Sense and Sensibility.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Alan mean?
Alan's origin is debated; it may come from Breton meaning 'harmony' or Celtic meaning 'little rock.' The etymology is uncertain.
How do you pronounce Alan?
Alan is pronounced AL-un /ΛΓ¦l.Ιn/ β two syllables with stress on the first.
Is Alan a boy or girl name?
Alan is a boys' name.
How popular is Alan?
Alan was very popular in the mid-20th century and remains in steady use today, though outside the top 100.