How to Pronounce Allen
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Allen name meaning
First Name
270k
in the U.S.
since 1880
270k
in the U.S.
since 1880
Last Name
483k
in the U.S.
in 2010
483k
in the U.S.
in 2010
Girls
Boys
Meaning and Origin
What does the name Allen mean? Keep reading to find the user submitted meanings, dictionary definitions, and more.
Origin and Meaning of Allen
User Submitted Origins
English
63%
African
13%
Celtic
4%
French
4%
Canadian
2%
Filipino (Philippines)
2%
Berber
2%
Irish
2%
Scottish
2%
Russian
2%
Hebrew
2%
User Submitted Meanings
- A submission from Georgia, U.S. says the name Allen means "'Allen is a Celtic surname, originating in Scotland, and common in Ireland, Wales and England. It is a variation of the surname MacAllen and may be derived from two separate sources: Ailin, in Scottish and Irish Gaelic, means both 'little rock' and 'harmony', or it may also be derived from the Celtic Aluinn, which means 'handsome'. Variant spellings include Alan, Allan, etc. The noble family of this surname, from which a branch went to Portugal, is descended of one Alanus de Buckenhall. 'In Ireland, Allen is the Anglicization of the Gaelic name O h-Ailin.[1] Allen is the 41st most common surname in England.'" and is of Scottish origin.
- According to a user from Canada, the name Allen is of Celtic origin and means "Little rock (Allen is often mistaken with the name Allan, which means 'Handsome and Cheerful'".
- According to a user from Belgium, the name Allen is of Filipino (Philippines) origin and means "Little rock".
- A user from Missouri, U.S. says the name Allen is of Berber origin and means "Little rocks".
- A submission from Tanzania, United Republic of says the name Allen means "Handsome,from noble" and is of Celtic origin.
- According to a user from the United Kingdom, the name Allen means "Rock".
- A user from Virginia, U.S. says the name Allen is of Irish origin and means "Handsome".
- 2 people from Singapore and Rwanda agree the name Allen is of African origin and means "Lovable".
- A submission from Kuwait says the name Allen means "Strong, Delerious, friendly" and is of English origin.
- A submission from Nebraska, U.S. says the name Allen means "Kingly" and is of English origin.
International Interest
Also see international interest
Other Dictionary Sources
- A soldier of the American Revolution whose troops helped capture Fort Ticonderoga from the British (1738-1789)
- United States filmmaker and comic actor (1935-)
- United States comedienne remembered as the confused but imperturbable partner of her husband, George Burns (1906-1964)
Wiktionary
- An English and Scottish surname derived from the given name Alan.
- A male given name from the Celtic languages, a variant of Alan; in modern use often transferred from the surname.
- (colloquial) Short for Allen wrench.
Allen was also found in the following language(s): Translingual, Cebuano, and Hungarian
Notable Persons Named Allen
Notable Persons Named Allen
Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson is a basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers, Beşiktaş, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, and Memphis Grizzlies. His career lasted from 1996 to 2011. Allen was born on June 7th, 1975 in Hampton, Virginia.
Kelsey Grammer
Kelsey Grammer is an actor, voice actor, comedian, producer, director, writer, singer, and activist. He was most prominent from 1979 to present. Kelsey was given the name Allen Kelsey Grammer on February 21st, 1955 in Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Allen Ginsberg
Allen Ginsberg was a writer. Allen was given the name Irwin Allen Ginsberg on June 3rd, 1926 in Newark, New Jersey, U.S. He breathed his last breath on April 5th, 1997.
Allen West
His military service ended in 2004. Allen was born on February 7th, 1961 in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Allen Leech
Allen Leech is an actor. He was most prominent from 1998 to present. Allen was given the name Alan Leech on May 18th, 1981 in Killiney, County Dublin, Ireland.
Allen Dulles
Allen Dulles was a Director of Central Intelligence. Allen was born on April 7th, 1893 in Watertown (city), New York. He left this life on January 29th, 1969.
Notable Persons With the Last Name Allen
Notable Persons With the Last Name Allen
Woody Allen
Woody Allen is an actor, comedian, filmmaker, and playwright. His most notable accomplishments were from 1950 to present. Woody was given the name Allan Stewart Konigsberg on December 1st, 1935 in The Bronx, New York, U.S. Woody is also known as Heywood Allen.
Ray Allen
Ray Allen is a basketball player for the Free agent, Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle SuperSonics, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat. He has had major accomplishments since 1996. Ray was born on July 20th, 1975 in Castle Air Force Base.
Tim Allen
Tim Allen is an actor and comedian. He was most active from 1975 to present. Tim was given the name Timothy Allen Dick on June 13th, 1953 in Denver, Colorado, United States.
Lily Allen
Lily Allen is a singer, songwriter, actress, and presenter. She holds the title LDN" and Smile". Lily was given the name Lily Rose Beatrice Allen by her parents Keith Allen (actor) and Alison Owen on May 2nd, 1985 in Hammersmith, London, England.
Paul Allen
Paul Allen is a philanthropist, investor, entrepreneur, author, sports owner, guitarist, filmmaker, explorer, neuroscience supporter, space pioneer, and philanthropy. Paul was given the name Paul Gardner Allen on January 21st, 1953 in Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Alfie Allen
Alfie Allen is an actor. Alfie was given the name Alfie Evan James Allen by his parents Keith Allen (actor) and Alison Owen on September 12th, 1986 in Hammersmith, London, England.
- John AllenSpecial Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter the Islamic State of Iraq
- Joan AllenActress
- Karen AllenActress
- Joe AllenSoccer Player
- Marcus AllenFootball Player
- Rick AllenMusician
- Steve AllenActor
- Keith AllenActor
- Krista AllenActress
- Nancy AllenActress
- Debbie AllenActress
- FoxesMusician
- Keegan AllenActor
- Dave AllenComedian
Common last names for Allen
Ethnicity Distribution
| Ethnicity | Allen | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| █ | White | 67.59% | 64.26% |
| █ | African American | 26.17% | 11.96% |
| █ | Asian, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander | 0.54% | 4.85% |
| █ | American Indian and Alaska Native | 0.86% | 0.69% |
| █ | Two or More Ethnicities | 2.38% | 1.76% |
| █ | Hispanic or Latino | 2.47% | 16.26% |
Of Last Name Allen
People with the last name Allen are most frequently White or African American
Entire United States
Fun Facts about the name Allen
| #133 | Most Popular Boy Names |
| #55 | Classic Boy Names |
| #4 | Last Name First Names |