Allen vs Houston

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Allen

Boy #574 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"handsome, cheerful"

Origin: Celtic

Cultural Roots

English Scottish Irish Welsh

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#574
Total SSA Count
497
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Al

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
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Houston

Boy #704 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"Hugh's settlement, town"

Origin: Old English via Scottish

Cultural Roots

American English Southern American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#704
Total SSA Count
381
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Hous, H

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Houston →

Popularity Comparison

Allen Rank #574
Houston Rank #704

Allen is more popular, ranked #574 vs #704 for Houston.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Allen ___

  • Allen James
  • Allen Michael
  • Allen Robert
  • Allen Thomas
  • Allen Lee
  • Allen Wayne

Houston ___

  • Houston James
  • Houston Lee
  • Houston Ray
  • Houston Wayne
  • Houston Dean
  • Houston Cole

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Allen

Brian Kevin Karen Susan David

If you choose Houston

Austin Dallas Savannah Georgia Montana

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 Allen or Houston more popular?

Allen is more popular, ranked #574 compared to Houston at #704 in the United States.

What do Allen and Houston mean?

Allen means "handsome, cheerful" (Celtic origin). Houston means "Hugh's settlement, town" (Old English via Scottish origin).

Are Allen and Houston boy or girl names?

Allen is primarily a boy name. Houston is primarily a boy name.

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