Allen: Surname origin and meaning

The surname Allen and Allan both have their origins in the word "aluinn," which means fair or handsome. The spelling of Allan with an "a" is commonly associated with various Scottish clans such as Clan Donald, Clan Grant, Clan MacFarlane, and Clan MacKay. On the other hand, the surname Allen spelled with an "e" is generally considered to have English roots. However, it is important to note that different names originating from various regions could be anglicized as either Allen or Allan, so the specific spelling of the name may not necessarily indicate your family's origin.

Origin of the surname: The Allen and Allan surnames have Scottish and English origins.

Notable individuals with the Allen surname: 

1. Ethan Allen: He was a prominent leader of the Green Mountain Boys and an esteemed American officer during the Revolutionary War.

2. Kris Allen: The winner of American Idol, season eight, is known by this name.

3. Lily Allen: A British pop star who has enjoyed significant success in the music industry.

4. Richard Allen: A minister, educator, writer, and the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) denomination.

5. Marcus Allen: Inducted into the National Football Hall of Fame in 2003, Marcus Allen is a respected figure in professional football.

In conclusion, the Allen and Allan surnames have an interesting origin linked to the meaning "fair" or "handsome." While Allan is commonly associated with Scottish clans, Allen typically hails from English roots. Prepared by SSP.