Alan is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "Ailéan". The name means "handsome" or "noble". It has been popular throughout history and has been associated with many notable figures.
The name Alan first gained prominence in Scotland during the Middle Ages. It was borne by several Scottish kings and nobles, including King Alan II of Galloway (12th century) and Alan Durward, a 13th-century Scottish nobleman who played a significant role in the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Alan also has a strong presence in Welsh history. The name was adopted by several Welsh princes, most notably Alan apwy, a 9th-century ruler of Gwynedd who is considered one of the most important figures in early Welsh history.
Over time, the name Alan spread beyond Scotland and Wales and became popular throughout Britain and Ireland. It was also introduced to other parts of Europe through trade and cultural exchange.
Today, Alan remains a popular given name for boys around the world. It has many variations, including Allen, Allan, Alun, and Alyson (for females). Despite its popularity, however, it is still associated with its Scottish and Welsh roots and continues to be seen as a strong, noble name.
The name Alan has been a popular choice for parents in the United States since the early 20th century. Between 1921 and 2018, there were a total of 1,076 births registered with the name Alan in the U.S.
The popularity of the name Alan varied over time, with some years seeing as many as 28 births and others only 5. The highest number of births occurred in 1962, with 28 babies named Alan. This was followed by a peak in 1987 with 25 births.
Interestingly, the name Alan has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with 13 births registered in 2015 and 9 births each in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Despite fluctuations in its popularity over time, Alan remains a classic and enduring choice for parents looking to name their baby boy.