Noah Boy
NOH-uh
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#2
Allen
BoyEnglish, Breton· “uncertain; variant of Alan”
- Meaning
- uncertain; variant of Alan (origin disputed)
- Origin
- English, Breton
- Pronunciation
- AL-uhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #578
- US babies 2025
- 507
- Best rank
- #71 (1940)
- Peak year
- 1951
Meaning and origin of Allen
Allen is often said to mean “uncertain; variant of Alan”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and Breton roots.
Allen is a variant of Alan, a name brought to England by Bretons who came with William the Conqueror. Its original meaning is uncertain; it may come from a Celtic word meaning little rock or handsome, but neither explanation is certain. Allen became both a common English surname and a given name, familiar through figures such as Ethan Allen of the American Revolution and poet Allen Ginsberg. As a first name it feels classic and steady, a solid mid-century American choice. Al is the traditional nickname, and Alan and Allan are common alternatives.
Popularity over time
Allen 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 146 different years. Its best national rank was #71 in 1940, and the most babies received it in 1951, when 5,179 were named Allen. In 2025, 507 babies were named Allen, and it ranked #578 nationally. That is 48% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #94 in 1920, #71 in 1950, #124 in 1980, #249 in 2000, #322 in 2010, and #578 in 2025. Of the 271,796 US boys named Allen since records began, 17% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1940s come next, with 39,049 babies. Since 2010, 12,129 more have been named Allen.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Frederick, Lee, Gordon, Randolph, and Donnie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Allen ranked highest in Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Mississippi.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | #293 | 17 |
| Pennsylvania | #343 | 32 |
| Mississippi | #370 | 8 |
| Nebraska | #377 | 6 |
| Kansas | #386 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Allen is usually pronounced AL-uhn, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with A and ends in “-en”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Alan and Allan.
Middle names for Allen
A few middle names that flow with Allen: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Allen
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Lists that include Allen
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Allen mean?
Allen is often said to mean “uncertain; variant of Alan”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and Breton roots.
What is the origin of the name Allen?
Allen has English and Breton roots. Allen is a variant of Alan, a name brought to England by Bretons who came with William the Conqueror.
Is Allen a popular name?
Yes. Allen ranked #578 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Allen a boy or girl name?
Allen is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Allen?
Allen 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