Allen Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Allen come from? What does the surname Allen mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Allen and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Allen Origin: What does the last name Allen mean?
Allen is a Celtic surname with origins in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England. It is a variation of the surname MacAllen and may come from the Gaelic words Ailin, meaning "little rock" or "harmony," or Aluinn, meaning "handsome." The noble family of this surname, including branches in Portugal, is descended from Alanus de Buckenhall. In Ireland, Allen is the Anglicization of the Gaelic name Ó h-Ailín. The surname Allen is the 41st most common surname in England.YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Allen surname in the United Kingdom from the early 14th century, indicating its long history in the region. The surname began to be more frequently recorded in the United States from the 16th century onward, surpassing the United Kingdom in the volume of records by the 17th century. Today, the Allen surname is not only prominent in the United States and the United Kingdom but is also found in various countries worldwide, reflecting its global spread and diverse presence across different regions and cultures.
Allen Last Name History: Where did the last name Allen come from?
Origin of Allen Surname: Where does the last name Allen originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Allen first appeared in records from the United Kingdom in the early 14th century. This discovery speaks to the antiquity of the Allen surname, but it's important to note that this data only reflects the exact spelling of "Allen" in YourRoots' database.
History of the Last Name Allen: What does the Allen surname history look like in the early days?
The Allen surname has strong roots in the United Kingdom, being consistently recorded from the 14th to the 15th century. However, it started to be more frequently recorded in other parts of the world, such as the United States, from the 16th century onwards. While the exact countries are not specified in the data, the increase in volume indicates a wider global spread of the Allen surname during these centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Allen surname today?
From the 16th century, the volume of records with the Allen surname substantially increased in the United States. In fact, by the 17th century, the United States surpassed the United Kingdom in terms of the number of Allen records. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, while the Allen surname is still prominent in the United States and the United Kingdom, it is also found in other regions worldwide, a testament to its global spread. Though the specific countries are not mentioned in the data, the Allen surname can be expected to be present in a diverse range of countries.
Explore Allen last name heritage and Allen surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME ALLEN
Famous People With Allen Surame?
Joan Allen
Joan Allen (August 20, 1956) is an American actress known for her work on stage and screen. She has received numerous awards and nominations, including a Tony Award and multiple Academy Award nominations. Allen gained international recognition for her performances in films like "Nixon," "The Crucible," and "The Bourne Supremacy." She has also appeared in popular movies like "Pleasantville" and "The Bourne Ultimatum." In addition to her film work, Allen has starred in Broadway plays such as "Burn This" and "The Heidi Chronicles." With a career spanning decades, she continues to be a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Woody Allen
Heywood Allen (born Allan Stewart Konigsberg; November 30, 1935) is an American filmmaker, actor, and comedian known for his prolific career spanning over six decades. Allen has received numerous awards, including four Academy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. He is acclaimed for his unique style of comedy and his iconic films such as "Annie Hall" and "Manhattan." Despite controversy in his personal life, Allen's contributions to the film industry have solidified his place as a prominent figure in Hollywood.
Sian Barbara Allen
Sian Barbara Allen (July 12, 1946 – March 31, 2025) was an American actress known for her work on television in the 1970s. Hailing from Reading, Pennsylvania, Allen got her start at the Pasadena Playhouse before landing roles in popular series like The Waltons, Gunsmoke, and Ironside. She also starred in TV movies like Scream, Pretty Peggy and The Lindbergh Kidnapping Case. Allen received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in You'll Like My Mother. After retiring in 1990, she lived in North Carolina with her daughter. Allen passed away at the age of 78 due to Alzheimer's disease.
Tim Allen
Timothy Alan Dick (June 13, 1953 - ) known as Tim Allen, is an American actor and comedian famous for his roles in TV sitcoms like "Home Improvement" and "Last Man Standing." He also voiced Buzz Lightyear in the "Toy Story" franchise and played Santa Claus in "The Santa Clause" movies. Allen's career spans from stand-up comedy to blockbuster films, showcasing his versatility and humor. With multiple awards and a strong fan base, Tim Allen remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Lily Allen
Lily Rose Beatrice Allen (born May 2, 1985) is an English singer, songwriter, and actress. She rose to fame in 2006 with her debut single "Smile" reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart. Allen's albums, including "Alright, Still" and "It's Not Me, It's You," garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. She received a Brit Award for British Female Solo Artist in 2010 and was instrumental in the rise of female artists in the music industry. Beyond music, Allen has ventured into television hosting, record label ownership, and acting, showcasing her diverse talents and creativity.
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