Last Name Allen

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Allen

In terms of ethnic identity, data from the Decennial U.S. Census shows that there were shifts among people bearing the Allen surname between 2000 and 2010. The majority of Allens identified as White, although the percentage decreased from 70.24% in 2000 to 67.59% in 2010. Those identifying as Black represented the second largest group, increasing from 25.14% to 26.17%. The biggest change occurred within the Hispanic identity, which saw an increase of 52.47%, from 1.62% to 2.47%. Both the Asian/Pacific Islander and Two or more races categories also saw significant increases, up by 31.71% and 34.46% respectively, while the American Indian and Alaskan Native category experienced a minor growth of 3.61%.

	2000	2010	Change
White	70.24%	67.59%	-3.77%
Black	25.14%	26.17%	4.1%
Hispanic	1.62%	2.47%	52.47%
Two or More Races	1.77%	2.38%	34.46%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.83%	0.86%	3.61%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.41%	0.54%	31.71%

Allen ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Allen is British & Irish, which comprises 53.0% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (21.7%) and Nigerian (3.7%). Additional ancestries include Scandinavian, Eastern European, Italian, Spanish & Portuguese, and Ghanaian, Liberian & Sierra Leonean.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
British & Irish	53.0%
French & German	21.7%
Nigerian	3.7%
Other	21.6%

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Allen

The meaning and origin of the last name Allen

The surname Allen has a rich meaning and diverse origin, stemming from several possible sources. Derived from the medieval English personal name "Alan" or "Allen," it finds its roots in the Celtic language, meaning 'little rock' or 'harmony.' The name Allen can also be traced back to the Gaelic word "ailin," meaning 'handsome' or 'peaceful.' Additionally, there is a possibility of Scandinavian influence, with the name originating from the Old Danish and Old Swedish name "Al(l)in" or "Ellin." The surname Allen has been found in various parts of the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, and Ireland. As people migrated, the name spread across the world, particularly to the United States and Canada, where it remains a fairly common surname today. With its diverse linguistic origins and widespread distribution, the surname Allen carries a heritage reflecting both Celtic and Scandinavian cultures.

Geographical distribution of the last name Allen

The last name Allen is a common surname found throughout various parts of the English-speaking world. In the United States, the name has a widespread distribution, with significant concentrations in states such as Texas, California, Florida, and New York. Additionally, Allen is also a prevalent surname in England, particularly in the eastern counties such as Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex. The name can also be found in Scotland, particularly in areas such as Glasgow and Edinburgh. In Canada, the Allen surname is most commonly found in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. The name has also spread to other countries as a result of migration and globalization, with notable populations in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Due to its versatility and historical proliferation, the last name Allen can be traced to countless other regions, creating a diverse geographical dispersion.

Variants and spellings of the last name Allen

The last name Allen has several variations and spellings. One common spelling is Allan, which is often used as an alternative. Another variant is Allyn, which has a different phonetic sound but retains the same origin. Some individuals may also spell it as Alen or Alan, dropping the extra "l" from the original spelling. Additionally, there are less common variations, such as Allaun or Alleyn, which may have arisen from regional differences or evolving pronunciations over time. These variations in spelling demonstrate the flexibility and adaptability of surnames, as well as the influence of language and cultural changes. Regardless of the spelling, the name Allen, in any of its variations, is a fairly popular surname globally, often traced to English and Scottish origins.

Famous people with the last name Allen

Famous people with the last name Allen have made significant contributions to various fields. Woody Allen, the renowned American filmmaker, has directed, written, and acted in numerous iconic movies known for their wit and introspective themes. Another notable figure is Tim Allen, an American actor, comedian, and author, best known for his role as Tim Taylor in the sitcom "Home Improvement" and for providing the voice of Buzz Lightyear in the "Toy Story" franchise. Additionally, Lily Allen, the British singer-songwriter, gained widespread recognition for her distinctive pop style and outspoken lyrics. British economist and Nobel laureate George Allen also stands out for his influential contributions to economic theory and policy. Furthermore, Debbie Allen, an American actress, dancer, and choreographer, has played significant roles on stage and screen, and has become a prominent figure in the world of dance education.

Genealogical research on the last name Allen

The research on the last name Allen reveals a rich genealogical history dating back centuries. The Allen surname originated from the Gaelic name "Aluinn," meaning "handsome" or "fair." The name spread across various countries including England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. In England, the Allens were prominent in several regions, particularly in Devon, Cornwall, and Norfolk. Many Allen families emigrated to America during the 17th and 18th centuries, where the name flourished. Notable Allen descendants include Ethan Allen, a Revolutionary War hero, and Edgar Allen Poe, the renowned poet and author. Variations of the surname can be found, such as Allan, Allyn, or Alin, depending on locations and family migrations. Today, the name Allen is still widespread and can be traced in diverse regions worldwide, making it a significant name in genealogical research.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Allen"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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