Allen Last Name Origin: Exploring the Roots of a Common Surname

The last name Allen, a popular surname with a rich history, has its roots in various origins, making it intriguing to explore. Understanding the meaning and evolution of this name can shed light on its cultural significance and the stories of those who bear it. This comprehensive guide will delve into the diverse origins of the Allen surname, exploring its meanings and providing insights into its geographical distribution and historical significance.
1. **Allen**: This name originates from Old English *Ælfwine* meaning "elf-friend" or "elf-lover." It is a popular surname in England and can be found in many different parts of the world.
2. **Allin**: A variant spelling of Allen, derived from the same Old English root *Ælfwine* with the meaning "elf-friend."
3. **Allain**: This surname comes from the French surname *Alain*, which in turn is a variant of *Alan*. The meaning is "handsome" or "beautiful."
4. **Alen**: This surname is a variation of Allen, primarily found in Wales and Ireland, and is also rooted in the Old English name *Ælfwine*.
5. **Allyn**: This name is another variation of Allen, primarily found in the United States, with the same meaning "elf-friend."
6. **Alyn**: This surname is of Welsh origin, derived from the Welsh word *alun* meaning "rock." It is a popular surname in Wales and can be found in other parts of the world.
7. **Allington**: This surname is of English origin, derived from the place name *Allington*, which is a compound of the Old English elements *ælf* meaning "elf" and *tun* meaning "farm."
8. **Allensworth**: This surname is of English origin, derived from the place name *Allensworth*, which is a compound of the Old English elements *ælf* meaning "elf" and *worth* meaning "farm or enclosure."
9. **Allenby**: This surname is of English origin, derived from the place name *Allenby*, which is a compound of the Old English elements *ælf* meaning "elf" and *by* meaning "settlement."
10. **Allendale**: This surname is of English origin, derived from the place name *Allendale*, which is a compound of the Old English elements *ælf* meaning "elf" and *dale* meaning "valley."
11. **Allenson**: This surname is of English origin, derived from the patronymic *Allenson*, meaning "son of Allen."
12. **Allender**: This surname is of English origin, derived from the place name *Allender*, which is a compound of the Old English elements *ælf* meaning "elf" and *denu* meaning "valley."
13. **Allingham**: This surname is of English origin, derived from the place name *Allingham*, which is a compound of the Old English elements *ælf* meaning "elf" and *ham* meaning "home or homestead."
14. **Allsop**: This surname is of English origin, derived from the place name *Allsop*, which is a compound of the Old English elements *ælf* meaning "elf" and *sop* meaning "marsh or bog."
15. **Allison**: This surname is of English origin, derived from the patronymic *Allison*, meaning "son of Allen."
16. **Allsworth**: This surname is of English origin, derived from the place name *Allsworth*, which is a compound of the Old English elements *ælf* meaning "elf" and *worth* meaning "farm or enclosure."
17. **Allenbach**: This surname is of German origin, derived from the compound *Allen* meaning "elf" and *bach* meaning "brook."
18. **Allenberg**: This surname is of German origin, derived from the compound *Allen* meaning "elf" and *berg* meaning "mountain."
19. **Allenbrook**: This surname is of English origin, derived from the compound *Allen* meaning "elf" and *brook* meaning "small stream."
20. **Allenby**: This surname is of English origin, derived from the place name *Allenby*, which is a compound of the Old English elements *ælf* meaning "elf" and *by* meaning "settlement."
21. **Allenwood**: This surname is of English origin, derived from the place name *Allenwood*, which is a compound of the Old English elements *ælf* meaning "elf" and *wood* meaning "forest."
22. **Allentown**: This surname is of English origin, derived from the place name *Allentown*, which is a compound of the Old English elements *ælf* meaning "elf" and *ton* meaning "town or village."
23. **Allain**: This surname is of French origin, derived from the given name *Alain*, which is a variant of *Alan*. The meaning is "handsome" or "beautiful."
24. **Alain**: This surname is of French origin, derived from the given name *Alain*, which is a variant of *Alan*. The meaning is "handsome" or "beautiful."
25. **Alan**: This surname is of French origin, derived from the given name *Alan*. The meaning is "handsome" or "beautiful."
26. **Alani**: This surname is of Italian origin, derived from the given name *Alano*. The meaning is "handsome" or "beautiful."
27. **Alanis**: This surname is of Spanish origin, derived from the given name *Alano*. The meaning is "handsome" or "beautiful."
28. **Alano**: This surname is of Italian origin, derived from the given name *Alano*. The meaning is "handsome" or "beautiful."
29. **Alans**: This surname is of Welsh origin, derived from the Welsh word *alun* meaning "rock."
30. **Alansmith**: This surname is of English origin, derived from the occupational name *Alansmith*, meaning "smith of Alan."
31. **Alanson**: This surname is of English origin, derived from the patronymic *Alanson*, meaning "son of Alan."
32. **Alant**: This surname is of French origin, derived from the given name *Alan*. The meaning is "handsome" or "beautiful."
33. **Alarcon**: This surname is of Spanish origin, derived from the place name *Alarcón*.
34. **Alard**: This surname is of French origin, derived from the given name *Alard*. The meaning is "noble strength."
35. **Alastor**: This surname is of Greek origin, derived from the name of a Greek mythological figure.
36. **Alastria**: This surname is of Greek origin, derived from the name of a Greek mythological figure.
37. **Alastair**: This surname is of Scottish origin, derived from the given name *Alastair*. The meaning is "defender of mankind."
38. **Alastra**: This surname is of Greek origin, derived from the name of a Greek mythological figure.
39. **Alb**: This surname is of French origin, derived from the given name *Alb*. The meaning is "white."
40. **Albano**: This surname is of Italian origin, derived from the place name *Albano Laziale*.