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Last Name Alan

What is the origin of the last name Alan?

The last name "Alan" is of Scottish and Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Alun", which means handsome or cheerful. The name may have also originated from the given name "Alan", which was brought to Britain by the Normans in the 11th century.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Alan

The meaning and origin of the last name Alan

The surname Alan is of Scottish origin, derived from the given name Alan, which is of Celtic origin meaning "handsome" or "harmony." It is also believed to have originated from the Germanic name "Adelheidis," meaning "noble type." The surname Alan is common in various English-speaking countries and can also be found in France and Spain.

Geographical distribution of the last name Alan

The last name "Alan" has a geographical distribution that is primarily found in Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, and India. It is also present in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia, although to a lesser extent.

Variants and spellings of the last name Alan

Here are some variations and spellings of the last name "Alan": Allan, Allen, Alen, Alin, Alyn, Allyn.

Famous people with the last name Alan

1. Woody Allen 2. Lily Allen 3. Tim Allen 4. Steve Allen 5. Debbie Allen

Genealogical research on the last name Alan

The surname Alan is of Scottish and English origin. It is believed to be derived from the ancient Celtic personal name "Aluinn", which means "handsome" or "cheerful". The name Alan can also be traced back to the Old Germanic name "Adal", which means "noble" or "noble one". The first recorded instance of the Alan surname dates back to 1180, where a Walter Alain is documented in the Pipe Rolls of Suffolk, England. Over the centuries, the name Alan has spread to various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Genealogical research on the surname Alan suggests that individuals bearing this name may have ancestral ties to Scotland or England. It is recommended that individuals interested in tracing their Alan lineage consult various genealogical records, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, census records, and immigration documents, to uncover more about their family history.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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