Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Allan
BoyScottish, Breton· “uncertain (variant of Alan)”
- Meaning
- uncertain (variant of Alan) (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Scottish, Breton
- Pronunciation
- AL-uhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,013
- US babies 2025
- 223
- Best rank
- #115 (1940)
- Peak year
- 1947
Meaning and origin of Allan
Allan is often said to mean “uncertain (variant of Alan)”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Scottish and Breton roots.
Allan is a spelling of Alan, a name brought to Britain by Breton followers of William the Conqueror. Its meaning is uncertain; suggestions include little rock and handsome. The Allan spelling is especially common in Scotland. Edgar Allan Poe took his middle name from the Allan family, who raised him. The name feels friendly and classic. It pairs well with both traditional and modern middle names. Al is the usual nickname.
Popularity over time
Allan has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 145 different years. Its best national rank was #115 in 1940, and the most babies received it in 1947, when 2,187 were named Allan. In 2025, 223 babies were named Allan, and it ranked #1,013 nationally. That is 43% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #235 in 1920, #142 in 1950, #343 in 1980, #483 in 2000, #614 in 2010, and #1,013 in 2025. Of the 96,458 US boys named Allan since records began, 18% were born in the 1940s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 17,697 babies. Since 2010, 5,062 more have been named Allan.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Lonnie, Freddie, Marshall, Sammy, and Benny.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Allan ranked highest in Florida, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | #543 | 32 |
| Illinois | #634 | 14 |
| Pennsylvania | #704 | 12 |
| Washington | #739 | 8 |
| Texas | #791 | 34 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Allan is usually pronounced AL-uhn, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with A and ends in “-an”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Alan and Allen.
Middle names for Allan
A few middle names that flow with Allan: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Allan
Similar names
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Lists that include Allan
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Allan mean?
Allan is often said to mean “uncertain (variant of Alan)”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Scottish and Breton roots.
What is the origin of the name Allan?
Allan has Scottish and Breton roots. Allan is a spelling of Alan, a name brought to Britain by Breton followers of William the Conqueror.
Is Allan a popular name?
Not especially. Allan ranked #1,013 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Allan a boy or girl name?
Allan is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Allan?
Allan is usually pronounced AL-uhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings