Origin and Meaning of Allen

Little Rock / Harmony

Origin: Celtic - Derived from the Old Breton name 'Alan', which is thought to mean 'little rock' or 'harmony', and possibly related to the Welsh word 'alun' meaning 'harmony'.

• The name Allen has been in use since the medieval period and was popularized as a surname before becoming a common given name.
• In various cultures, the name Allen has different forms; for example, Alain in French, Allan in Scottish Gaelic, and Alen in Croatian.
• Notable bearers of the name include American actor Allen Funt, creator of 'Candid Camera', and the composer Allen Silver.
• In the United States, Allen has been a consistent name since the 20th century, although its popularity peaked in the 1940s and 50s.
• Related variations include Allan and Alen, as well as diminutive forms like Al.