Allen (surname)


Allen is a Celtic surname, originating in Scotland, and common in Ireland, Wales and England. It is a variation of the surname MacAllen and may be derived from two separate sources: Ailin, in Scottish and Irish Gaelic, means both "little rock" and "harmony", or it may also be derived from the Celtic Aluinn, which means "handsome". Variant spellings include Alan, Allan, etc. The noble family of this surname, from which a branch went to Portugal, is descended of one Alanus de Buckenhall.
In Ireland, Allen is the Anglicization of the Gaelic name Ó h-Ailín. Allen is the 41st most common surname in England.

Disambiguation