Clan Allan (Allan Tartan)

The history of the Allan surname can be traced back to the medieval period when it originated from the given name Alan.

The name Alan is believed to mean "little rock" or "headstone." The popularity of the name grew among the Breton followers of William the Conqueror because of St. Alan, a 5th-century bishop from Quimper, Brittany.

During the Middle Ages, parents often named their children after saints in the hope that they would be blessed or protected by them.

7. The Origins of the Allan Surname

The surname Allan was first found in Shropshire, where Walter FitzAlan of Brittany held a family seat after the Norman Conquest in 1066.

The parish of Mileham in Norfolk is also significant to the Allan family. It was given to Alan, son of Flaald, and ancestor of the Fitz-Alans, earls of Arundel.

8. Notable Individuals in the Allan Family

The Allan family produced notable individuals throughout history. Alain de Lille (1114-1203) was a renowned scholar in theology, philosophy, history, poetry, and natural science.

Alan of Beccles (d. 1240) served as the official secretary to Bishops Pandulf and Thomas de Blundeville of Norwich. Alan of Tewkesbury was a writer in the 12th century.

9. Spelling Variations of the Allan Surname

Throughout the centuries, the spelling of the Allan surname has varied due to the lack of standardized spelling rules in Old and Middle English.

The influence of Latin and French, the official court languages, also contributed to the inconsistent spelling. Additionally, the influx of foreign names into England further influenced the changes in spelling.

10. Variations of the Allan Surname

The Allan surname has seen variations such as Alan, Allan, Allen, Alleyn, Allayne, Allaine, Allain, Allanach, Allanshaw, MacAllan, and many more.

11. The Allan Family Worldwide

The Allan family has also spread to different parts of the world. In the United States, the Allan surname ranks as the 3,727th most popular surname.

In Canada, it is the 485th most popular surname, and in Australia, it is the 236th most popular. In New Zealand, it ranks 112th, and in the United Kingdom, it ranks 242nd.

12. The Allan Surname and Immigration

The Allan surname has a history of immigration, with many individuals bearing the name arriving in North America, Australia, and New Zealand during the early settlement periods.

Some notable Allan individuals include John Allan, Edward Allan, William Allan, and James Allan.

13. Conclusion

The history of the Allan surname is rich and varied. From its origins in the medieval period to its spread around the world, the Allan family has left a lasting legacy.

With notable individuals in various fields and the influence of immigration, the Allan surname continues to be a part of global history.

14. FAQs

14.1 Who was Walter FitzAlan of Brittany?

Walter FitzAlan of Brittany was a prominent figure in Shropshire after the Norman Conquest in 1066. He held a family seat and played a significant role in the history of the Allan surname.

14.2 What is the significance of the parish of Mileham in Norfolk to the Allan family?

The parish of Mileham in Norfolk holds significance to the Allan family as it was given to Alan, son of Flaald, who is an ancestor of the Fitz-Alans, earls of Arundel.

14.3 Can you provide more information about Alain de Lille?

Alain de Lille was a notable scholar in various fields such as theology, philosophy, history, poetry, and natural science. He lived from 1114 to 1203 and made significant contributions to his respective fields.

14.4 How did the influence of Latin and French contribute to the spelling variations of the Allan surname?

Latin and French, being the official court languages, had a significant influence on spelling variations. As these languages were frequently used in official documents and records, they influenced the way the Allan surname was spelled.

14.5 What are some other variations of the Allan surname?

Apart from Allan, the Allan surname has seen variations such as Allen, Alleyn, Allayne, Allaine, Allain, Allanach, Allanshaw, and MacAllan, among others.

14.6 Who are some notable individuals with the Allan surname?

Some notable individuals with the Allan surname include John Allan, Edward Allan, William Allan, and James Allan, among others.