ALAN  

Gender: M
Origin: Irish
Meaning: "handsome, cheerful"

Popularity in 2008: #135

In its three most popular spellings, this midcentury favorite has become a middle-aged grandpa name, given to very few of today's babies. Al, Alen, Alin Allan, Allayne, Allen, Alley, Alleyn, Allie, Allon, Alyn, Alynn.

International Variations:
Alain (French) Ailin (Irish) Alano (Italian) Alao (Portuguese) Ailean (Scottish) Alano (Spanish) Allyn, Aland, Alun (Welsh)

Alan is being discussed in our message boards:

• An update on our new list.
• Names from about 1940
• Fantasy Life!!!
• Names with Songs
• Hilbilly Names

Read Nameberry blog posts about Alan:

• THE FOUR-GENERATION RULE
• WILL PAX CHANGE HIS NAME TO MAX?