Allen

Allen: name meaning, origin and popularity

Boy nameCeltic origin#578 in 2025

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈæ.lən/

Meaning and origin of Allen

  • An English and Scottish surname transferred from the given name derived from the given name Alan.
  • A male given name from the Celtic languages, a variant of Alan; in modern use often transferred from the surname.

How popular is Allen?

#578boys, 2025
507U.S. babies in 2025
#71peak rank (1940)
273,662babies since 1880

Since 1880, 1,866 girls and 271,796 boys in the U.S. have been named Allen (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1232 in 1914. Its highest rank for boys was #71 in 1940. In 2025 it ranked #578 for boys, with 507 babies given the name.

188019201960200020255,203 peak/yr
U.S. births per year with this name, 1880–2025 (SSA)

Names similar to Allen

Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.

More Celtic boy names

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Sibling name ideas for Allen

Sister and brother names that share Allen's Celtic roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.

Allen FAQ

What does the name Allen mean?

An English and Scottish surname transferred from the given name derived from the given name Alan. A male given name from the Celtic languages, a variant of Alan; in modern use often transferred from the surname.

What is the origin of the name Allen?

Allen is listed as a name of Celtic origin.

How popular is the name Allen?

Since 1880, 1,866 girls and 271,796 boys in the U.S. have been named Allen (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #1232 in 1914. Its highest rank for boys was #71 in 1940. In 2025 it ranked #578 for boys, with 507 babies given the name.

Is Allen a boy or girl name?

Allen is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 1,866 girls and 271,796 boys since 1880.

Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.