Alan vs William

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Alan

Boy #167 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"handsome"

Origin: Celtic

Cultural Roots

English Scottish French Breton

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#167
Total SSA Count
2,183
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Al

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Alan →

William

Boy #10 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"resolute protector, strong-willed guardian"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

English German French

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#10
Total SSA Count
10,596
Syllables
3
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Will, Bill, Billy

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for William →

Popularity Comparison

Alan Rank #167
William Rank #10

William is more popular, ranked #10 vs #167 for Alan.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Alan ___

  • Alan James
  • Alan Robert
  • Alan Edward
  • Alan Thomas
  • Alan William
  • Alan Christopher

William ___

  • William James
  • William Thomas
  • William Henry
  • William Alexander
  • William Edward
  • William Charles

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Alan

Brian Kevin Margaret Patricia Mark

If you choose William

Charlotte Eleanor Amelia Olivia Henry

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alan or William more popular?

William is more popular, ranked #10 compared to Alan at #167 in the United States.

What do Alan and William mean?

Alan means "handsome" (Celtic origin). William means "resolute protector, strong-willed guardian" (Germanic origin).

Are Alan and William boy or girl names?

Alan is primarily a boy name. William is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

William vs Alan Alan vs Amari Alan vs Cash Alan vs Julian Alan vs Jude
← Full profile: Alan ← Full profile: William Browse all baby names