The name Allan is of Scottish origin and is a variant spelling of the name Alan. It is derived from the Old Germanic elements "adal," meaning noble, and "wald," meaning to rule. Therefore, the name Allan means "noble ruler." The name has been in use for centuries and was popularized by several historical figures such as Allan Ramsay, an 18th-century Scottish poet and painter, and Allan Quartermain, a fictional adventurer created by H. Rider Haggard.
The name Allan reached peak popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century but has since declined somewhat. However, it remains a classic choice for parents seeking a timeless and distinguished name for their child. In recent years, the name Allan has seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly among parents who appreciate its historic significance and strong, authoritative sound.
Allan is also associated with several notable figures throughout history, including Allan Sekula, an American photographer known for his conceptual artworks exploring themes of labor, politics, and social justice; Allan Sillitoe, an English novelist best known for his semi-autobiographical novel "Saturday Night and Sunday Morning"; and Allan Bakaitis, an Australian musician who was a member of the rock band INXS during their early years. These individuals have contributed to the name Allan's enduring appeal and association with creativity, intellect, and cultural significance.
Overall, the name Allan is a classic choice that carries with it a rich history and strong meaning. It has been worn by many notable figures throughout history and remains a popular choice for parents seeking a distinguished and timeless name for their child.
The name Allan has seen a varied history of popularity over the decades in the United States, with its peak occurring in the early to mid-20th century.
In the 1920s and 1930s, there was a consistent but relatively low number of births for the name Allan. The most notable year during this period was 1928 when there were 13 recorded births with the name Allan.
The popularity of the name Allan seemed to rise in the late 1940s and early 1950s, with a steady increase from 6 births in 1946 to 7 births in 1950. This trend continued until reaching its peak in 1959 with 8 births.
Interestingly, there was another spike in popularity for the name Allan in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with an average of around 6 births per year from 1967 to 1974. However, this popularity did not sustain beyond this period.
Overall, from 1922 to 1994, there were a total of 253 recorded births with the name Allan in the United States. Despite fluctuations in popularity over the decades, Allan remains a recognizable and classic name choice for parents.