Contents [hide]

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

United States Australia New Zealand West Indies

Contemporary Notables Historic Events Related Stories Suggested Reading Sources

Allan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
France

Etymology of Allan

What does the name Allan mean?

The name Allan is from that ancient region of France known as Normandy. The surname is derived from the ancient given name Allen, meaning rock. This type of surname is known as a patronymic name, and comes from a broad category of surname types, known as hereditary surnames. Today there is a small town named Allain in north-eastern France.

Early Origins of the Allan family

The surname Allan was first found in Normandy (French: Normandie), the former Duchy of Normandy, where this family held a family seat since very early times.

During the early Middle Ages the members of the family distinguished themselves through their involvement in the politics of the country, focusing on the welfare of their province. Through the years the family prospered and grew, and therefore branched into to several other areas.

By the 1700's members were prominently engaged in politics and François Allain was elected deputy at the Estates General at Saint-Malo in 1789. A member of this family who became notable through his contribution to society was François-Marie Allain de Launay, who served the King as Counselor and was elected President of the municipal district of Carhaix.

Descending from the original line of Normandy, François-Mathieu Alein, who came from a branch family, was the legal agent of the imperial treasure at Mouzon. He was highly esteemed and therefore elected as a member of the Legislative Assembly.

Simon Alain, born in 1646 and baptized on 18th August 1648, son of André and Catherine (née Marc), travelled from Rouen, Normandy to Canada in the 17th century. After arriving in Quebec he married Jeanne Maufait, daughter of Pierre and Marie (née Duval), on 15th April 1670. 1

Early History of the Allan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Allan research. Another 106 words (8 lines of text) covering the year 1113 is included under the topic Early Allan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Allan Spelling Variations

There were a great number of spelling variations in French surnames. One reason for this was the wide variety of cultural influences present in France during the early development of the French language. The many spelling variations of the name include Alain, Alains, Alin, Alein, Alan, Allain, Allains, Allin, Allein, Allan, Aland, Alland, Aling, Alling, Alen, Allen, Aleng, Alleng, Alène and many more.

Early Notables of the Allan family

More information is 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. 2 However, in Canada, the name Allan is ranked the 485^th most popular surname with an estimated 10,001 people with that name. 3 And in Australia, the name Allan is the 236^th popular surname with an estimated 14,405 people with that name. 4 New Zealand ranks Allan as 112^nd with 3,881 people. 5 The United Kingdom ranks Allan as 242^nd with 24,586 people. 6

Allan migration to the United States +

France was active as a cultural leader in the early 16th century. One particular area in which they lead was the exploration of the New World. The explorers, like Jacques Cartier in 1534, led the way to North America. Champlain, in 1608, made the first of twenty voyages to France to attract settlers and brought the first migrant in 1617. By 1675, there were 7000 French in Quebec, and the French Acadian presence in the Maritimes had reached 500. The French founded Lower Canada, thus becoming one of the two great founding nations of Canada. The family name Allan has made many distinguished contributions in France and New France to the world of science, culture, religion, and education. Amongst the settlers in North America with this distinguished name Allan were

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 7
William Allan, who arrived in New Jersey in 1685 7
John Allan, who immigrated to Virginia in 1685
John Allan, who landed in New Jersey in 1685 7

Allan Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

John Allan, who arrived in Virginia in 1750 7
John Allan, who arrived in America in 1768 7
James Allan, aged 24, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1774 7
James Allan, who emigrated from Scotland to Philadelphia in 1774
Alexander Allan, aged 22, who landed in North Carolina in 1774 7
... (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 7
William Allan, aged 41, who landed in Ohio in 1812 7
Peter Allan, who arrived in New York in 1819 7
James Allan, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1824 7
Robert Allan, who landed in New York in 1831 7
... (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 8
Mr. Western Allan aka "Weston", "Allen" U.E., United Empire Loyalist who settled in Eastern District, Upper Canada c. 1783 8

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 9
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" 10
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) 11
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 12
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 13
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 13
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 13
... (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
Sir Alexander Claud Stuart Allan KCB (b. 1951), British civil servant who served as chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee
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 14
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
... (Another 16 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 15
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 15
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 15

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 16

RMS Lusitania

Mr. Ashley Allan, English Third Waiter from Bootle, Lancashire, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 17
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 17
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 17
Miss Anna Marjory Allan, Canadian 1st Class Passenger from Montréal, Quebec, Canada, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 17

Vimy Ridge

William Anderson Allan (1896-1917), Canadian Private in the Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry who died at Vimy Ridge April 1917

Sources +

Olivier, Reginald L. Your Ancient Canadian Family Ties. Logan: The Everton Publishers, Inc., P.O. Box 368, 1972. 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/