Alan
Handsome, little rock — a boy name of Celtic/Breton origin
Popularity of Alan in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Alan
Alan is an old Celtic name whose precise original meaning remains uncertain, though it has been variously interpreted as "handsome," "harmony," or "little rock." It was brought to Britain by Breton followers of William the Conqueror in 1066 and became a well-established medieval English name. Alan reached peak popularity in the mid-twentieth century, closely associated with icons like actor Alan Alda and computer scientist Alan Turing. Though less common among babies today, it remains a solid, respected classic.
Alan Around the World
Alan is used in 4 languages worldwide, with 11+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Alan
Famous People Named Alan
- Alan Turing — British mathematician and codebreaker
- Alan Alda — American actor
- Alan Rickman — British actor
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Sibling Name Ideas for Alan
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Alan mean?
Alan is a boy name of Celtic/Breton origin meaning "Handsome, little rock." Alan is an old Celtic name whose precise original meaning remains uncertain, though it has been variously interpreted as "handsome," "harmony," or "little rock." It was brought to Britain by Breton followers of William the Conqueror in 1066 and became a well-established medieval English name.
How do you pronounce Alan?
Alan is pronounced AL-uhn. Common variations include Allan, Allen, Alain.
Is Alan a boy name?
Yes, Alan is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Al.
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