Allen
Allen is a variant of Alan, from the Celtic "al" (rock) or the Gaelic "àlainn" (handsome). The spelling "Allen" is more common as a surname, while "Alan" is more common as a first name in modern usage. Both have the same root. The name was brought to England by Breton knights after the Norman Conquest. Allen was a top-100 American name from 1910 to 1975, peaking at #59 in 1947. Allen Ginsberg (1926-1997), the Beat poet whose "Howl" (1956) is one of the defining American poems of the 20th century, gave the name literary prestige. Allen Iverson (born 1975), the basketball player, gave the name a sports dimension. I find Allen has a brisk, mid-century quality — the single syllable is direct, and the doubled "l" gives it softness. The name has been outside the US top 200 since 2005. Allen is a male name of Celtic origin that means "Little rock, handsome (variant of Alan)". Brisk, mid-century, and capable. The name sounds approachable. Allens tend to be steady. US peaked #59 in 1947. Outside top 200 since 2005. Well-known people named Allen include Allen Ginsberg (poet), Allen (variant of Alan), Allen Iverson (basketball player), Allen (fictional, various). Common variations and related forms of Allen include Alan (variant), Allan (variant), Alain (French), Al (nickname).