Alan is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "Ailéan". The name means "handsome" or "noble". It has been popular throughout history and has been associated with many notable figures.
The name Alan first gained prominence in Scotland during the Middle Ages. It was borne by several Scottish kings and nobles, including King Alan II of Galloway (12th century) and Alan Durward, a 13th-century Scottish nobleman who played a significant role in the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Alan also has a strong presence in Welsh history. The name was adopted by several Welsh princes, most notably Alan apwy, a 9th-century ruler of Gwynedd who is considered one of the most important figures in early Welsh history.
Over time, the name Alan spread beyond Scotland and Wales and became popular throughout Britain and Ireland. It was also introduced to other parts of Europe through trade and cultural exchange.
Today, Alan remains a popular given name for boys around the world. It has many variations, including Allen, Allan, Alun, and Alyson (for females). Despite its popularity, however, it is still associated with its Scottish and Welsh roots and continues to be seen as a strong, noble name.
The name Alan saw a significant rise in popularity from the late 1940s to the mid-1960s, peaking at 28 births in 1962 and 24 births in 1964. However, its popularity has declined since then, with fewer than 15 births per year from the late 1970s onwards. The most recent data shows a steady low of around 5 births per year between 2016 and 2018. Overall, there have been 1076 recorded births named Alan since 1921.