Allen is a name of English origin that has been popular for centuries. It is derived from the Old English word "ællen," which means "noble" or "elegant." The name was originally used as both a given name and a surname, and it was often bestowed upon those who were considered to be of high social standing or possessed great elegance.
Throughout history, there have been many notable individuals named Allen. One of the most famous was Allen Ginsberg, an American poet and writer who was a key figure in the Beat Generation of the 1950s. Another notable Allen is Allen Iverson, an American basketball player who was one of the greatest scorers in NBA history.
Today, Allen remains a popular name for boys. It has been used consistently throughout the years and continues to be a beloved choice for parents looking for a classic yet elegant name for their son. Whether you're drawn to its meaning, its history, or simply its sound, Allen is a name that's sure to make an impression.
Between 1896 and 2020, the name Allen has been given to a total of 1,866 babies born in the United States. The popularity of the name Allen has varied over time. In the early years recorded, from 1896 to 1925, there were fluctuations in the number of births with this name, ranging from as few as 5 in some years to as many as 36 in others.
However, starting from the late 1920s, there was a consistent increase in the popularity of the name Allen. The peak period for this name was between 1942 and 1955, during which there were consistently high numbers of births with the name Allen, reaching up to 33 births in a single year (1942). This period also saw the highest number of babies named Allen overall, with over 600 births combined between 1942 and 1955.
After this peak, there was a gradual decrease in the popularity of the name Allen. From 1956 onwards, the number of births with this name decreased steadily each year until it reached its lowest point in recent years, with only 5 births recorded in several years from 2002 to 2014.
Despite this decline in recent times, the name Allen still has a significant history and continues to be given to babies born in the United States. It is one of many names that have stood the test of time and continue to be popular among parents today.