Alan

Meaning of Alan

It means 'rock' or 'stone'. It suggests someone who is strong, stable, and dependable.

Alan has Celtic roots — browse every Celtic baby name in our catalog.

Popularity of Alan

Alan has cooled off, slipping to #191 in 2025, down from a peak of #122 in 2006.

Notable people named Alan

• Alan Turing
  Brilliant mathematician, codebreaker
• Alan Rickman
  Acclaimed British actor
• Alan Alda
  Beloved actor and activist
• Alan Jackson
  Country music superstar
• Alan Shearer
  Legendary English footballer

More Celtic names

Questions about the name Alan

What does the name Alan mean?

Alan means it means 'rock' or 'stone'. it suggests someone who is strong, stable, and dependable, and it comes from Celtic origins.

Is Alan a boy's or a girl's name?

Alan is most commonly used as a boy's name in the United States.

How popular is the name Alan?

In 2025, Alan ranked #191 for boys, down from #167 the year before.

When was Alan most popular?

Alan peaked at #122 in 2006.