Allen, Allan, Alianach

Padraig Mac Giolla-Domhnaigh
1923

Allen, Allan, Alianach—MAC AILEAN.—The latter name is a form assumed by a branch of the McAllens, a McFarlane sept in the North of Scotland. The Allens of Co Kerry and other parts of Munster are descendants of a Scottish sept of the McAllens who came to Tirconnell from the West of Scotland in the 15th century to serve as Gallowglasses under the O'Donnells. In a battle in 1558 with the forces of the Earl of Clanrickard they were defeated and dispersed, one branch settling in Co. Kerry. This sept be longed to the clan Campbell.

Alphabetical Index of Anglicised Surnames in Ireland

See also Woulfe’s Irish Names and Surnames
and O'Hart's Irish Pedigrees