The name Alan is a boy's name of Irish origin meaning "handsome, cheerful". In its three most popular spellings -- Alan along with Allen and Allan -- this midcentury favorite has tended to skew older. It was a Top 100 name from 1938 to 1971, peaking at Number 40 in 1951.

Learn about the name Alan including the meaning, gender, origin, popularity, and more.

Meaning, origin and history of the name Alan - Behind the Name

Alan is a sturdy Celtic name often linked to the meaning "rock" or "little rock," symbolizing strength and reliability. Its exact origin is a bit unclear, but it remains a solid choice for many parents seeking a timeless and grounded name.

The name Alan is of Celtic origin and means "handsome" or "harmony." It is derived from the Gaelic name "Ailin" or "Aluinn," which translates to "little rock" or "noble."

The name Alan is derived from the Old Welsh word “alun” which means “fair, bright, white”. In the Middle Ages, the name Alan was very common in England and Scotland, where it was used as a first name for boys, as well as a surname.

Alan Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, Boy Names Like Alan - Mama Natural

Celtic masculine name derived from a Breton word meaning "handsome". Name Census estimates that about 283,264 living Americans carry the first name Alan. It sits at #167 in the overall ranking, outside the top 50 but still well-represented. The name is used almost exclusively for boys.