Allen – Name Meaning
The name Allen is of English origin and is derived from the Old German name Alwin, which means “noble friend”. It is a popular given name in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The name has been used since the Middle Ages and was popularized by Sir Walter Scott’s novel Rob Roy.
History
The name Allen has been around for centuries. In England, it was first recorded in the 11th century as Aelfwine or Aelwine. It was also found in Scotland as early as 1296. The name was brought to America by settlers in the 17th century and became popular during the 19th century.
Popularity
Allen is a very popular name in the United States. According to Social Security Administration data, it was the 44th most popular male baby name in 2019. It has been consistently ranked among the top 100 names for boys since 1880. In addition, it is also a popular surname.
Famous People Named Allen
There are many famous people who have borne the name Allen, including: actor Woody Allen; basketball player Ray Allen; singer-songwriter Steve Allen; comedian Tim Allen; author James Allen; and former U.S. President Chester A. Arthur.