Allan: A Classic Name with Enduring Appeal

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Allan: A Classic Name with Enduring Appeal

Allan, a name with a rich history and a pleasant sound, continues to capture the attention of parents seeking a timeless moniker for their sons. This article delves into the popularity of the name Allan, exploring its historical trends and offering insights into its appeal.

The image accompanying this article provides a visual representation of the name Allan.

Allan Name Popularity: A Historical Perspective

How popular is the name Allan? Let’s examine the data to understand its trajectory over the past century.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides valuable data on name popularity, allowing us to track the usage of Allan over time. The following table illustrates the name’s rank, number of births, and percentage of births for each year from 1910 to 2023.

Year Rank # Births % Births
1910 309 32 0.0091%
1911 272 56 0.015%
1912 238 172 0.0341%
1913 264 170 0.03%
1914 256 249 0.0357%
1915 231 395 0.0435%
1916 238 405 0.0419%
1917 240 404 0.0404%
1918 247 433 0.0403%
1919 244 435 0.0415%
1920 238 490 0.0441%
1921 237 525 0.0458%
1922 227 559 0.0502%
1923 223 552 0.0493%
1924 202 651 0.0561%
1925 200 677 0.0599%
1926 185 744 0.0676%
1927 199 685 0.0619%
1928 174 797 0.0745%
1929 161 893 0.0862%
1930 156 957 0.0916%
1931 151 978 0.0991%
1932 153 977 0.0989%
1933 154 898 0.0964%
1934 152 962 0.0995%
1935 151 987 0.1016%
1936 138 1092 0.1134%
1937 123 1322 0.1342%
1938 119 1523 0.1488%
1939 125 1395 0.1371%
1940 115 1587 0.1493%
1941 135 1466 0.1303%
1942 125 1750 0.1386%
1943 135 1628 0.1247%
1944 143 1471 0.1187%
1945 138 1555 0.1275%
1946 123 2047 0.1387%
1947 132 2176 0.1304%
1948 131 2052 0.1285%
1949 141 1929 0.1199%
1950 141 1885 0.1171%
1951 137 1958 0.1155%
1952 146 1918 0.1099%
1953 154 1842 0.1041%
1954 147 1945 0.1064%
1955 156 1843 0.1002%
1956 177 1630 0.0863%
1957 187 1565 0.0813%
1958 180 1601 0.0847%
1959 201 1423 0.0749%
1960 197 1459 0.077%
1961 211 1323 0.0701%
1962 215 1261 0.0687%
1963 220 1214 0.0676%
1964 220 1152 0.0654%
1965 220 1067 0.0652%
1966 222 965 0.0618%
1967 238 833 0.0549%
1968 240 854 0.0569%
1969 255 784 0.0509%
1970 268 770 0.0484%
1971 271 746 0.0496%
1972 292 595 0.0437%
1973 314 521 0.0402%
1974 326 500 0.0385%
1975 314 540 0.042%
1976 343 460 0.0357%
1977 358 444 0.0329%
1978 344 465 0.0346%
1979 343 483 0.0343%
1980 344 494 0.0338%
1981 339 502 0.0342%
1982 329 541 0.0362%
1983 324 546 0.037%
1984 326 547 0.0368%
1985 365 463 0.0305%
1986 369 466 0.0309%
1987 364 492 0.0322%
1988 355 543 0.0348%
1989 379 547 0.0339%
1990 387 556 0.0335%
1991 377 571 0.035%
1992 383 557 0.0349%
1993 408 527 0.0338%
1994 440 479 0.0312%
1995 427 493 0.0327%
1996 494 388 0.0259%
1997 464 431 0.0291%
1998 449 455 0.0304%
1999 460 458 0.0306%
2000 488 436 0.0285%
2001 487 441 0.0293%
2002 481 443 0.0296%
2003 419 576 0.0379%
2004 436 561 0.0368%
2005 465 509 0.0333%
2006 506 473 0.0302%
2007 516 466 0.0295%
2008 549 436 0.0282%
2009 552 436 0.0292%
2010 603 363 0.0252%
2011 670 299 0.021%
2012 692 288 0.0202%
2013 640 328 0.023%
2014 709 283 0.0194%
2015 650 340 0.0234%
2016 726 280 0.0194%
2017 770 236 0.0169%
2018 767 234 0.017%
2019 787 219 0.0162%
2020 842 217 0.017%
2021 862 220 0.018%
2022 843 241 0.0183%
2023 828 247 0.0191%

As the data illustrates, Allan experienced peak popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1930s and 1940s. While its usage has declined since then, Allan remains a recognizable and respected name.

The Meaning and Origin of Allan

The name Allan has several possible origins and meanings, adding to its appeal. It is often associated with:

  • Celtic Origin: Derived from the Gaelic word "ailin," meaning "handsome" or "harmonious."
  • Scottish Origin: A variant of the name Alan, potentially linked to the Alan people, an ancient nomadic group.
  • Breton Origin: Possibly derived from the Breton word "al," meaning "rock."

The diverse origins and meanings of Allan contribute to its universal appeal and enduring charm.

Allan: A Name with Character

Allan evokes a sense of classic masculinity and understated elegance. It’s a name that suggests intelligence, kindness, and a strong sense of self. The name Allan works well in various cultures and continues to resonate with parents who appreciate its timeless quality.

Names Similar to Allan

If you appreciate the sound and feel of Allan, you might also consider these similar names:

  • Allain: A German name meaning "precious."
  • Allin: Another German name meaning "precious."
  • Allon: A Hebrew name meaning "precious" or "oak tree."
  • Allyn: A German name meaning "precious."
  • Alban: A Latin name meaning "from Alba."
  • Aldan: An English name meaning "old friend."
  • Alvan: A Latin name meaning "from Alba; elf or magical being, friend."
  • Arlan: A Scandinavian name meaning "pledge, oath; noble’s land; foreigner, stranger."
  • Aslan: A Turkish name meaning "lion."

Share Your Thoughts on Allan

What are your impressions of the name Allan? Do you know someone named Allan? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!