The nameAlan
Alan is a boy's name of Celtic origin, often read as "little rock" or "handsome". It was brought to England by Breton knights in 1066.
- Boy's name
- Breton
Meaning
The meaning of Alan is uncertain. It is often linked to the Breton or Old Celtic alun, "harmony", or to words meaning "little rock" or "handsome".
Origin
Breton. Breton knights who followed William the Conqueror, such as Alan Rufus, brought the name to England.
History
Alan was very popular in Britain in the mid 20th century and reached the top 40 in the United States. Alan Turing, father of computer science, is a famous bearer.
Did you know?
- Alan Turing has appeared on the Bank of England fifty pound note since 2021.
- He played a key part in breaking the Enigma code during the Second World War.
Famous people named Alan
- Alan Turing, mathematician
- Alan Shearer, footballer
- Alan Rickman, actor
- Alan Alda, actor
Popularity of the name Alan
Alan in the United States
Alan was most popular in the United States in the 1950s, with 84,119 births over the decade, 23% of all recorded babies named Alan. Its rise began around 1928, and it peaked in 1955. Half of all babies named Alan in the United States were born before 1962, although it is popular again today. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 2,050 births a year.
Alan in the United Kingdom
Alan was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 3,185 births over the decade, 48% of all recorded babies named Alan. Half of all babies named Alan in the United Kingdom were born before 2011, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 100 births a year on average, against 250 in the five years before.
Alan in Ireland
Alan in France
Alan in Belgium
Alan in Switzerland
Alan in Norway
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Alan
Names from the same generation as Alan, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Alan? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Alan with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Alan side by side with the name of your choice.
Alan in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alan mean?
The meaning of Alan is uncertain. It is often linked to the Breton or Old Celtic alun, "harmony", or to words meaning "little rock" or "handsome".
What is the origin of the name Alan?
Breton. Breton knights who followed William the Conqueror, such as Alan Rufus, brought the name to England.
Is Alan a girl's or a boy's name?
Alan is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Alan?
In 2024, Alan was the 167th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 2,183 births.
What are the variants of the name Alan?
Variants and related names of Alan include Alain, Alana and Allan.
What are good sibling names for Alan?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Melanie, Isabelle, Valerie and Summer for a sister, Ivan, Nicolas, Andrés and Ian for a brother.
Who are famous people named Alan?
Alan Turing, mathematician; Alan Shearer, footballer; Alan Rickman, actor; Alan Alda, actor.