Contents [hide]

Allan History Early Origins Early History Spelling Variations Early Notables World Ranking

Ireland United States Canada Australia New Zealand

Contemporary Notables Historic Events Related Stories Suggested Reading Citations

Allan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
France
Ireland

The history of the name Allan began when it was derived from the given name Alan, which is thought to mean "little rock" or "headstone." The name was popular among the Breton followers of William the Conqueror due to St. Alan, a 5th-century bishop from Quimper, Brittany; during the Middle Ages, parents often named their children after saints in the hope that the child would be blessed or protected by the saint.

Early Origins of the Allan family

The surname Allan was first found in the lands of Shropshire, where Walter FitzAlan of Brittany held a family seat after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The parish of Mileham, Norfolk is of early significance to the family. "This place, at the time of the Conquest, was given to Alan, son of Flaald, and ancestor of the Fitz-Alans, earls of Arundel, who erected a strong castle here, of which some vestiges may still be traced, within the area of an intrenchment of twelve acres; the site of the keep is pointed out by an inner intrenchment by which it was surrounded." 1

Alain de Lille (1114-1203), was "one of the most illustrious scholars of his age, and for his attainments in theology, philosophy, history, poetry, and natural science, acquired the designation of 'Doctor universalis.' His nationality has not been ascertained with unquestioned accuracy. " 2

Alan of Beccles (d. 1240) was official secretary to Bishops Pandulf and Thomas de Blundeville of Norwich between the years 1218 and 1236 and Alan of Tewkesbury, was a writer of the twelfth century, according to the express statement of Gervase of Canterbury, an Englishman by descent. 2

Early History of the Allan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Allan research. Another 115 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1430, 1457, 1532, 1583, 1594, 1596, 1608, 1610, 1611, 1612, 1614, 1621, 1634, 1635, 1637, 1658, 1660, 1661, 1663, 1668, 1671, 1673, 1677, 1681, 1685, 1686, 1692, 1694, 1700, 1705, 1717, 1726, 1738, 1764, 1789 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Allan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Allan Spelling Variations

There are many spelling variations of Breton surnames, because the Old and Middle English languages lacked definite spelling rules. The official court languages, which were Latin and French, were also influential on the spelling of a surname. Since the spelling of surnames was rarely consistent in medieval times, and scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded rather than adhering to any specific spelling rules, it was common to find references to one individual with many different spellings of their surname in the ancient chronicles. Moreover, a large number of foreign names were brought into England, which accelerated and accentuated the alterations to the spelling of various surnames. The name has been spelled Alan, Allan, Allen, Alleyn, Allayne, Allaine, Allain, Allanach, Allanshaw, MacAllan and many more.

Early Notables of the Allan family

Notable of this family during the Middle Ages was William Allen (1532-1594), an English prelate; Francis Allen (ca.1583-1658), an English financier, politician and regicide who sided with parliament in the civil War against Charles I; John Allen, or John Allin (1596-1671) English settler America in 1637-38, one of the founders of Dedham, Massachusetts; Thomas Allen (1608-1673) English nonconformist minister and divine from Norwich; Richard Alleine (1610-1681), an English Puritan divine; Sir Thomas Allin, 1st Baronet (1612-1685), an officer of the Royal Navy; William Alleine (1614-1677), an English minister; John Alleyn or Allen (1621-1663), Cornish politician, MP for St Michael, Cornwall in...
Another 194 words (14 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Allan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Allan World Ranking

In the United States, the name Allan is the 3,727^th most popular surname with an estimated 7,461 people with that name. 3 However, in Canada, the name Allan is ranked the 485^th most popular surname with an estimated 10,001 people with that name. 4 And in Australia, the name Allan is the 236^th popular surname with an estimated 14,405 people with that name. 5 New Zealand ranks Allan as 112^nd with 3,881 people. 6 The United Kingdom ranks Allan as 242^nd with 24,586 people. 7

Migration of the Allan family to Ireland

Some of the Allan family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 127 words (9 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Allan migration to the United States +

An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Allan arrived in North America very early:

Allan Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

John Allan, who settled in Virginia in 1622
Edward Allan, who landed in Virginia in 1644 8
William Allan, who arrived in New Jersey in 1685 8
John Allan, who immigrated to Virginia in 1685
John Allan, who landed in New Jersey in 1685 8

Allan Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

John Allan, who arrived in Virginia in 1750 8
John Allan, who arrived in America in 1768 8
James Allan, aged 24, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1774 8
James Allan, who emigrated from Scotland to Philadelphia in 1774
Alexander Allan, aged 22, who landed in North Carolina in 1774 8
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Allan Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

George Allan, aged 26, who arrived in New York in 1812 8
William Allan, aged 41, who landed in Ohio in 1812 8
Peter Allan, who arrived in New York in 1819 8
James Allan, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1824 8
Robert Allan, who landed in New York in 1831 8
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Allan migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Allan Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Thomas Allan, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749
Nathan Allan, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
Mr. Anthony Allan U.E., United Empire Loyalist who settled in Carleton, Saint John, New Brunswick c. 1783 9
Mr. Western Allan aka "Weston", "Allen" U.E., United Empire Loyalist who settled in Eastern District, Upper Canada c. 1783 9

Allan Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

John Allan, aged 24, a labourer, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Atlas" in 1815
Francis Allan, aged 22, a labourer, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Atlas" in 1815
Janet Allan, aged 17, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Atlas" in 1815
James Allan, aged 9mo, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Atlas" in 1815
George Allan, aged 20, a farmer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the brig "Dorcas Savage" from Belfast, Ireland
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Allan Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century

Janet Allan, who landed in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907

Allan migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Allan Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. Peter Allan, English convict who was convicted in Durham, England for life, transported aboard the "Baring" in April 1815, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 10
Mr.Peter Allan, (Allen), (b. 1798), aged 21, Irish seaman who was convicted in Dublin, Ireland for 7 years for felony, transported aboard the "Bencoolen" on 24th April 1819, arriving in New South Wales, Australia before being transferred to Tasmania via the "Admiral Cockburn" 11
Mr. John Allan, British convict who was convicted in Sadberge, Durham, England for life, transported aboard the "Competitor"18th March 1823, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 12
William Allan, a butcher, who arrived in New South Wales, Australia sometime between 1825 and 1832
James Allan, a coach-builder, who arrived in Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania) sometime between 1825 and 1832
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Allan migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Allan Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

John Allan, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1841 aboard the ship Lady Nugent
Mr. John Allan, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Lady Nugent" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 17th March 1841 13
Mr. John Allan, (b. 1801), aged 40, British shepherd travelling from Plymouth aboard the ship "Timandra" arriving in New Plymouth, Taranaki, North Island, New Zealand on 24th February 1842 14
Mrs. Sarah Allan, (b. 1803), aged 38, British settler travelling from Plymouth aboard the ship "Timandra" arriving in New Plymouth, Taranaki, North Island, New Zealand on 24th February 1842 14
Miss Jannette Allan, (b. 1823), aged 19, British settler travelling from Plymouth aboard the ship "Timandra" arriving in New Plymouth, Taranaki, North Island, New Zealand on 24th February 1842 14
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Allan (post 1700) +

Lewis Allan (1903-1986), pseudonym of Abel Meeropol, an American writer and song-writer
Jani Allan (1952-2023), South African journalist, columnist, writer and broadcaster, one of the country's first media celebrities in the 1980s and 1990s
Peter John Allan (1935-2023), Australian cricketer who played in one Test in 1965
Stu Allan (1962-2022), British dance music DJ and producer who worked for Piccadilly Radio and Key 103 in Manchester in the 1980s and 1990s
Bradley James "Brad" Allan (1973-2021), Australian three-time Screen Actors Guild Award nominated martial artist, action choreographer, actor, and stunt performer, member of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team and choreographed action scenes in Hollywood films
Mr. James Allan O.B.E., British Grade 7 for Ministry of Defence, was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire on 8th June 2018, for services to Defence 15
Graeme "Gubby" Allan (b. 1954), former Australian rules footballer
Matthew Allan (b. 1975), former Australian rules footballer
Stephen Douglas Allan (b. 1973), Australian professional golfer
Scott Allan (b. 1991), Scottish footballer
... (Another 15 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Allan family +

Air New Zealand Flight 901

Miss. Marjorie Townsley Allan (1913-1979), New Zealander passenger, from Clive, North Island, New Zealand aboard the Air New Zealand Flight 901 for an Antarctic sightseeing flight when it flew into Mount Erebus; she died in the crash 16
Miss. Jane Phillipa Allan (1962-1979), New Zealander passenger, from Clive, North Island, New Zealand aboard the Air New Zealand Flight 901 for an Antarctic sightseeing flight when it flew into Mount Erebus; she died in the crash 16
Mr. Alan Lawrence Malyon Allan (1920-1979), New Zealander passenger, from Clive, North Island, New Zealand aboard the Air New Zealand Flight 901 for an Antarctic sightseeing flight when it flew into Mount Erebus; he died in the crash 16

HMS Dorsetshire

Andrew Watson Allan (d. 1945), British Stoker 1st Class aboard the HMS Dorsetshire when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking 17

RMS Lusitania

Mr. Ashley Allan, English Third Waiter from Bootle, Lancashire, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 18
Lady Marguerite Ethel Allan, (née MacKenzie), Canadian 1st Class Passenger from Montréal, Quebec, Canada, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking by escaping in a collapsible believed to be 22 18
Miss Gwendolyn Evelyn Allan, Canadian 1st Class Passenger from Montréal, Quebec, Canada, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking and was recovered 18
Miss Anna Marjory Allan, Canadian 1st Class Passenger from Montréal, Quebec, Canada, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 18

Citations +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/baring
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 5th October 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/bencoolen
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 5th March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/competitor
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
"Birthday and New Year Honours Lists (1940 to 2019)." Issue 62507, 28 December 2018 | London Gazette, The Gazette, Dec. 2018, www.thegazette.co.uk/honours-lists
Mount Erebus, Memorial, Roll of Remembrance (Retrieved 2018, February 21st). Retrieved from http://www.erebus.co.nz/memorialandawards/rollofremembrance.aspx
Force Z Survivors HMS Dorsetshire Crew List, (Retrieved 2018, February 13th), https://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listdorsetshirecrew.html
Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 6) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/