Alan is a distinctive boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #539 in 2025 with 72 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2015 with 346 births ranking #170. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 65.6%. In 2025, approximately 1 in every 3,777 boys born was named Alan. FALLING Recent data shows the name is currently falling.
Alan is an old Celtic name with a long European history, but its exact meaning is uncertain. It is often linked with ideas such as rock, harmony, or a pleasant appearance, though none of these explanations is fully settled.
The name was carried into England by the Bretons after the Norman Conquest and remained in steady use for centuries. Its simple form has helped it travel well across many languages.