Allen is a name of English origin that has been popular for centuries. It is derived from the Old English word "ællen," which means "noble" or "elegant." The name was originally used as both a given name and a surname, and it was often bestowed upon those who were considered to be of high social standing or possessed great elegance.
Throughout history, there have been many notable individuals named Allen. One of the most famous was Allen Ginsberg, an American poet and writer who was a key figure in the Beat Generation of the 1950s. Another notable Allen is Allen Iverson, an American basketball player who was one of the greatest scorers in NBA history.
Today, Allen remains a popular name for boys. It has been used consistently throughout the years and continues to be a beloved choice for parents looking for a classic yet elegant name for their son. Whether you're drawn to its meaning, its history, or simply its sound, Allen is a name that's sure to make an impression.
The name Allen experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century, with peaks and valleys in birth occurrences. The highest numbers of babies named Allen were born in the years immediately following World War I (1914-1917) and during the post-WWII baby boom (1945-1960), particularly in 1922 when there were 33 births. However, the name's popularity has since declined steadily, with fewer than 10 Allen births recorded annually since the late 1980s, and as low as five births per year in recent years (2011-2020). Overall, a total of 1866 babies named Allen were born between 1896 and 2020.