Alan: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced AL-uhn · 2 syllables
Alan means “oak tree”, from Celtic and Welsh.
From Old Breton Alan, name of early Breton saints, of disputed origin and meaning; brought to England by Normans. It may have been the name of a Celtic deity, the brother of Bran, Welsh Alawn, Alun. As an early Irish name, perhaps connected with ail (“noble”). Compare French Alain.
- Meaning
- oak tree
- Origin
- Celtic, Welsh
- Pronunciation
- AL-uhn
- US rank (2025)
- #191
- US babies a year
- about 2,632 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1950
- Style
- Vintage, Classic
- Nicknames
- Al
How popular is Alan?
Alan was the #191 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,915 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1950.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #191 |
| England & Wales | #298 |
| Scotland | #239 |
| Northern Ireland | #231 |
| Ireland | #229 |
| France | #382 |
| Norway | #274 |
| Canada | #459 |
| Australia | #600 |
How old are people named Alan?
Half of US adults named Alan are older than 61; most are between 22 and 82. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Alan
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Alan have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Alan
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Alan
What does the name Alan mean?
Alan means “oak tree”. It comes from Celtic and Welsh.
How do you pronounce Alan?
Alan is pronounced AL-uhn.
How popular is the name Alan?
Alan was the #191 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,915 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1950.
How old are people named Alan?
Half of US adults named Alan are older than 61. Most are between 22 and 82.