Allen

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Allen

Gender: Masculine
Language: English
Etymology:
Allen is a surname based on Alan, the name of a Germanic tribe. It may mean “Peace,” “Rock,” “Handsome,” or “Hound.”

History:
Alan was the name of an early Breton saint (the Bishop of Quimper). It did spread to England, however, until after 1066. Two of William the Conqueror’s most important supporters were Alain Fergéant, the Count of Brittany, and Alain le Roux, the Earl of Richmond. From the 14th to 16th centuries it was spelled Aleyn. Alan, Allen and Allan (alternate forms based on the surname) have remained in steady use.
Please see Alan for more information.

Pronunciation: AL-ann.

Diminutives: All.

Famous Bearers:
Artists and Authors:
Allen Tate (1899-1979)
American poet.
Allen Curnow (1911-)
New Zealand poet.
Allen Stuart Drury (1918-1998)
American novelist.
Allen Ginsberg (1926-1997)
American poet.

Miscellaneous:
Sir Allen Lane (1902-1970)
British publisher of Penguin Books.

Political Figures:
Allen Bathurst, Baron Bathurst of Battlesden (1684-1775)
British statesman.
Allen Dulles (1893-1969)
American diplomat. Director of the CIA.

Scientists:
Allen B. Du Mont (1901-1965)
American engineer.

Singers and Entertainers:
Allen Funt (1914-1999)
American entertainer. Founder of Candid Camera.

Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
0.174 % named Allen

Popularity of Allen:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1800: 57th most popular.
1850: 47th most popular.
1875: 63rd most popular.
1900-1910: 119th most popular.
1910-1920: 107th most popular.
1920-1930: 94th most popular.
1930-1940: 86th most popular.
1940-1950: 75th most popular.
1950-1960: 84th most popular.
1960-1970: 101st most popular.
1970-1980: 135th most popular.
1980-1990: 129th most popular.
1990: 151st most popular.
1991: 161st most popular.
1992: 176th most popular.
1993: 176th most popular.
1994: 184th most popular.
1995: 203rd most popular.
1996: 215th most popular.
1997: 223rd most popular.
1998: 245th most popular.
1999: 247th most popular.
2000: 253rd most popular.
2001: 242nd most popular.
2002: 246th most popular.
2003: 251st most popular.