Surname Allen - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'A'
Tracing the Storied Legacy of the Allen Name: A Fascinating DNA Journey Through iGENEA
After seeking answers about my family's history and origins, I chose iGENEA DNA testing to shed light on my lineage. The experience offered a fascinating and enlightening insight into the origins and history of my surname, Allen. The results, tracing back my heritage to the Scottish Highlands and centering on central European haplogroup journeys, have resonated profoundly with me.
S. Allen
read moreAllen: What does the surname Allen mean?
The surname Allen has both Celtic and English origins. It is derived from Aluinn or "Ailin" in Gaelic which means "handsome" or "cheerful". Another meaning tied to its Celtic origin is "rock". In the English language, Allen is derived from a personal name of Breton origin, brought to England by followers of William the Conqueror, notably Alan, Count of Brittany, who was rewarded with 300 manors in Yorkshire. It is also thought to be descended from the Roman name "Alanus," which is itself derived from the tribal group the Alans, a nomadic people who originated in Persia and migrated into Europe in the fourth to fifth centuries. Throughout history, this surname appeared in many references, and from time to time the surname spelling and origin had been recorded as Alan, Allan, Allin, Allon, Allen, Alain, Alanus, Allano, Alano, and these changes in spelling frequently occurred, even between father and son. It was not uncommon for a person to be born with one spelling, married with another, and for yet another to appear on his headstone. Generally, different spellings of the name within a family were a result of clerical errors at the church where the christening or other event was recorded.
Order DNA origin analysisAllen: Where does the name Allen come from?
The surname Allen is of Celtic origin, deriving from the Gaelic name "ailin" which means rock. It surfaced in Ireland and Scotland initially and was later anglicized to Allen during the times when Celts started blending with English and other cultures. This fit the tradition of keeping surnames based on the father's name, professions, or personal characteristics that came from medieval times.
In Ireland, the O'Allens were a branch of the powerful O'Neills of Ulster, while in Scotland, the Allens were a subdivision of the famous Clan MacFarlane.
Today, Allen is a widespread last name across the Anglosphere. It is particularly prevalent in the United States, England, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, it ranks among the most common surnames. This dispersal around the world can be attributed to the migration of people for various reasons like colonialism, job opportunities, and religious freedom. More specifically, in the U.S., it was brought over by European settlers and immigrants during the early colonization period and successive waves of immigration.
Variations of the surname Allen
The surname Allen originated from the Gaelic word "ailin," meaning "little rock." It has multiple variants and spellings derived from the countries where it is found. The most common variants include Allan, Allyn, Alan, Allin, Allain, Alleyn and Allene. Some of these variants were influenced by early forms of English, French, Scottish, and Welsh languages.
Different regions and cultures adapted the surname to their phonetic and linguistic preferences, resulting in diverse spellings. These include Alen, Alin, Allien, Alain, Alleine, Alun, Allein, etc.
In some cases, the surname Allen got mixed with other names, creating compound surnames like Allenson, Allender, Allenby, etc.
It's also worth noting that the surname Allen can be found in some female first names like Allena, Allene, and Alline.
In certain traditions, "Mac" and "O" prefixes were added to the name, denoting "son of" or "descendant of," respectively. Therefore, MacAllen and O'Allen are also variations of Allen.
For some families, Allen might be used as a given name, followed by another surname, thus blending and expanding the name's use and variation. For instance, in the United States, Allen is a common first name.
Famous people with the name Allen
- Woody Allen: Renowned American director, writer, actor, and comedian known for his contributions to cinema.
- Tim Allen: Famous American comedian and actor known for his role in TV series ‘Home Improvement,’ and as the voice of Buzz Lightyear in the 'Toy Story' series.
- Gracie Allen: A popular comedian who formed a comedic duo with her husband George Burns.
- Kris Allen: American singer who won the eighth season of American Idol.
- Marcus Allen: Former professional football player in the NFL, he was a running back for the Los Angeles Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Lily Allen: British singer and songwriter known for her outspokenness and provocative lyrics.
- Keegan Allen: Actor best known for his role in 'Pretty Little Liars.'
- Ray Allen: Retired professional basketball player who played 18 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
- Steve Allen: One of the first hosts of 'The Tonight Show,' he was also an actor, comedian, writer, and musician.
- Karen Allen: Actress best known for her role in the Indiana Jones series.
- Ethan Allen: A Revolutionary War hero, widely known as the founder of Vermont.
- Debbie Allen: American actress, choreographer, television director, and producer known for her role in the TV series ‘Fame.’