Alan is a name with a complex, traditional origin. Each origin story that comes with the name Alan allows for the baby name to have a different meaning as well. When considering German origin, the name could mean precious, while in Gaelic, the name could mean little rock. There is even a chance, however, that the name Alan originates from the tribal Alans who were from Iran.
Meaning of the Name Alan:
Old German: precious
Gaelic: little rock
Irish: handsome, cheerful
Origin of the Name Alan:
The most popular basis of the origin of the name Alan is from ancient English and Irish traditions. There have been written records with the baby name Alan in documents that are from the sixth century in the region of Brittany. The Iranian people aforementioned actually migrated to Europe in the fourth or fifth century, however, and may have encouraged the use of Alan among European citizens.
Symbolism of the Name Alan:
When the name Alan was first used popularly throughout Europe, it was given to the dukes who were of the region of Brittany. The Norman conquest by the Bretons who lived in Brittany actually brought the name Alan more into England as well. Due to the nobility associated with the name, the meaning of the name that is “handsome” makes more sense.
Style of the Name Alan:
The name Alan is likely a traditional name.
Gender of the Name Alan:
The gender for the baby name Alan is male.
Pronunciation of Alan:
AL-an
Number of syllables in Alan:
There are two syllables in the name Alan.
Emotion evoked from the Name Alan:
Alan is a simple name, but it still has an emotion of seriousness and pride.
Alternative spellings of Alan:
- Allen
- Allan
- Allyn
- Alen
- Alin
Nicknames for the Name Alan:
- Al
- Ali
- Ally
- Lal
- Lenny
- Alonzo
- Lanny
Popularity of the Name Alan:
The name Alan has remained on the top 200 list since the year 1972, and it is now number 194 as of the year 2020. From the years 1938 to 1971, the name Alan was actually on the top 100 list as well with it even reaching number 40 in 1951.
Great middle names for Alan and their meanings:
- Aaron (exalted, strong)
- David (beloved)
- Weber (weaver)
- Hugo (mind)
- Oscar (friend of deer)
- Michael (who is like God?)
- Brian (high, noble)
- Byron (at the byres, at the barn)
Famous people with the Name Alan:
- Alan Rickman (actor, Harry Potter)
- Alan Bersten (dancer, “Dancing with the Stars”)
- Alan Jackson (country music singer)
- Alan Shearer (soccer player, Southampton)
- Alan Turing (mathematician)
The Name Alan in movies/pop culture:
- Alan Grant (character in Jurassic Park)
- Alan Harper (character in “Two and a Half Men”)
- Alan Wilson (character from “24”)
- Alan Powers (Brain, character from “Arthur)
- Alan Parrish (main character in Jumanji)