Alain is a common French given name, often used for males. It has roots in the Celtic language, meaning "rock" or "noble." The name has been popular in various cultures and can be found in different forms across Europe, such as Alan in English-speaking countries. In addition to being a name, Alain is associated with several notable figures, including Alain de Botton, a Swiss-British philosopher and author, and Alain Prost, a famous French Formula One driver. The name is also linked to various places in France, such as Alain in the region of Brittany.