Name meaning & stats
Alan
Alan (Celtic origin). 338,427 US babies since 1940, peak 1955. Notable Alans are 1.8× over-represented as footballers.
What it means
No agreed meaning on record
Celtic
Of disputed origin; brought to England by the Normans.
In US birth records
Peak year: 1955
338,427 US babies were named Alan between 1940 and 2025.
Where Alans end up
| Career | vs expected | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Footballer | 1.8× | High · 263 people |
| Professor | 1.8× | High · 175 people |
| Politician | 1.0× | High · 150 people |
| Writer | 1.2× | High · 113 people |
Among notable men who are footballers, Alans show up 1.8× as often as you'd expect from how common the name is.
Notable people born 1940–2005 in the US, UK, Canada and Australia (Wikidata). Patterns, not destiny.
One more thing…
Alan has a surprise career: 2.0×
Spelling family
The most common spelling: 53% of the family
Names that sound the same, grouped by Heyotag. Share of US babies since 1940.
Name twins (peaked around 1955)