Alan vs John
Choosing between Alan and John? Compare meanings, origins, and popularity trends to find the perfect baby name.
Alan
Gender: boy
Origin: Celtic
Meaning: Handsome, cheerful
Peak: 1951 (0.44%)
John
Gender: boy
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God is gracious
Peak: 1880 (8.15%)
Popularity Comparison
| Year | Alan | John |
|---|---|---|
| 1880 | - | 8.15% |
| 1890 | 0.01% | 7.10% |
| 1900 | 0.02% | 6.06% |
| 1910 | 0.03% | 5.49% |
| 1920 | 0.04% | 5.17% |
| 1930 | 0.12% | 4.64% |
| 1940 | 0.20% | 4.62% |
| 1950 | 0.43% | 4.37% |
| 1960 | 0.39% | 3.51% |
| 1970 | 0.19% | 3.07% |
| 1980 | 0.14% | 1.90% |
| 1990 | 0.12% | 1.35% |
| 2000 | 0.12% | 0.96% |
Parents Also Consider
FAQ
Is Alan or John more popular?
John has historically been more popular. Alan peaked in 1951 while John peaked in 1880.
What is the meaning of Alan?
Alan means "Handsome, cheerful" and has Celtic origins.
What is the meaning of John?
John means "God is gracious" and has Hebrew origins.
Can Alan and John be used as sibling names?
Alan and John can work well as sibling names. They come from different origins, giving a diverse feel.