Allan

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Allan

Gender Boy
Origin Celtic
Letters 5
Syllables 2
Pronunciation AL-uhn

Allan, which has 5 letters and 2 syllables, is a male name of Celtic origin.

Meaning of Allan

Handsome

Allan is a masculine name of Scottish origin that means "handsome" or "noble".

Save
Rate:
(2.3/5 from 43 votes)
Meaning Handsome
Origin Celtic
Gender Boy
Popularity (US) #857 in 2024 Declining
Rarity (US) Rare (Top 1000)
Era Vintage (1940s)

Background & History of The Name Allan

Allan is a name of Scottish origin that has been in use for centuries. It is derived from the Gaelic name "AilĂ­n", which means "little rock". As a given name, Allan became popular in the English-speaking world during the Middle Ages, particularly in Scotland. It has since spread to various countries around the globe, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

The name Allan has several notable variations, such as Alan, Alain, and Allen. These variations often reflect the different historical and linguistic influences on the name in different regions. For example, the spelling "Alan" is more commonly found in English-speaking countries, while "Alain" is commonly used in French-speaking regions.

As a masculine name, Allan carries a strong and enduring quality. People with this name are often described as reliable, responsible, and diligent. They are known to be hardworking and dependable individuals who take their commitments seriously. These attributes make them excellent team players and leaders in various fields.

Throughout history, there have been numerous notable individuals with the name Allan. One such example is Allan Pinkerton, a famous Scottish-American detective who founded the Pinkerton National Detective Agency in the 19th century. Pinkerton's agency played a crucial role in solving many high-profile cases during that time.

Overall, the name Allan represents a rich historical and cultural heritage. It continues to be a popular choice for parents seeking a classic and timeless name for their child. With its strong and positive associations, Allan is a name that carries a sense of strength, reliability, and integrity.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Allan over the years.

Check Initials

See what initials Allan would create with your last name.

Nicknames

Common nicknames and short forms for Allan.

Save This Name

Create an account to save names to your lists and share with your partner.

Create Free Account

Partner Matching

Rate names with your partner and find the ones you both love.

Learn More

Sibling Matcher

Find names that pair well with your existing children's names.

Find Sibling Names