Origin & Meaning of the Allen Surname
What does the last name Allen mean?
The surname Allen carries the meaning "From the Celtic word meaning 'rock' or 'harmony'." It is derived from the Celtic language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 482,607 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Allen ranks as the #33 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Allen come from?
The Allen surname has its roots in English/Celtic heritage. Names of English/Celtic origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Allen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Allen trace back to Celtic. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Allen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From the Celtic word meaning 'rock' or 'harmony' |
| Origin | English/Celtic |
| Language | Celtic |
| US Rank (2010) | #33 |
| US Count (2010) | 482,607 |
| Per 100K People | 163.61 |
| First Letter | A |
Ethnic Distribution of Allen
According to the US Census, the Allen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 482,607 Americans with the Allen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 67.59% |
| Black | 26.17% |
| Hispanic | 2.47% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.54% |
| Native American | 0.86% |
| Two or More Races | 2.38% |
Popularity of Allen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Allen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Allen surname increased by 19,239 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Allen
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