WeeNames Scottish baby names

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Alan

Boy name · 11,176 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Of Celtic origin, Alan is believed to derive from the Old Breton *al* meaning “handsome” or “cheerful”, with Gaelic forms like Ailean carrying similar warmth. The name has been borne by numerous influential figures, including British mathematician and codebreaker Alan Turing, whose work changed the course of history; football legend Alan Shearer, England’s all-time leading Premier League goalscorer; and actor Alan Rickman, beloved for his roles in *Harry Potter* and *Die Hard*. While no prominent places are named directly after Alan, the variant spelling Allen has lent its name

Boy 52 of 52 years

Peak year
1975715 babies
Latest (2025)
#5605 babies
Total births
11,176since 1974
5-year trend
▼ 64%vs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 1975 · 715
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).