Alan
Alan has disputed origins. The most popular theory traces it to the Celtic "al," meaning rock — or to the Breton "Alan," a tribal name. A second theory suggests it derives from the Gaelic "àlainn," meaning handsome or fair. The name was brought to England by Breton knights who accompanied William the Conqueror in 1066. Alan was a top-100 American name from 1910 to 1990, peaking at #40 in 1951. Alan Turing (1912-1954), the mathematician who cracked the German Enigma code in WWII and founded computer science, is one of the most important scientists of the 20th century. Alan Alda (born 1936), the actor known for "M*A*S*H," gave the name popular visibility. I find Alan has a brisk, slightly mid-century quality — the single syllable is direct, and the "l" gives it softness. Alan Rickman (1946-2016), the actor known for the Harry Potter films and "Die Hard," gave the name a contemporary charge. Alan is a male name of Celtic (Breton) origin that means "Little rock, handsome". Brisk, mid-century, and capable. The name sounds approachable. Alans tend to be steady. US top 100 from 1910-1990. Now top 200. Well-known people named Alan include Alan Turing (mathematician), Alan Alda (actor), Alan Rickman (actor), Alan (Breton name). Common variations and related forms of Alan include Allan (variant), Allen (variant), Alain (French), Alun (Welsh).