Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Alison has its roots in Old French and is a diminutive of Alicia, which comes from a Germanic name meaning 'noble kind.' It evolved through various forms and gained popularity in the Middle Ages. While it has no biblical connection, it is viewed positively today. Notable figures like Alison Krauss and Alison Brie have contributed to its modern image.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈælɪsən/
Origin
Old French
Etymology
Alison is derived from the Old French name 'Alicia,' which is a diminutive form of 'Alice.' The name Alice itself comes from the Old High German name 'Adalheidis,' which means 'noble kind' or 'of noble birth.'
Meaning
noble kind
Language Evolution
Alicia (Old French), Alice (Old French), Alison (Middle English)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the Middle Ages, particularly in England, and became more common due to the influence of the literary character Alice in Lewis Carroll's 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.'
Variants & Derivatives
Alice, Ally, Allie, Elison
Modern Popularity & Image
Alison is viewed as a classic name with a sophisticated yet friendly image. It remains popular in various cultures.
Famous People
Alison Krauss (American bluegrass-country singer), Alison Brie (American actress), Alison Wonderland (Australian DJ and producer)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 3,000 peak births in 1986
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Connecticut
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (8 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 8 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 4108th of 7545 | 59 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4434th of 6773 | 40 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4360th of 7552 | 54 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3307th of 10718 | 153 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4136th of 16616 | 193 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 10379th of 24088 | 79 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 18910th of 23106 | 12 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 2094th of 9107 | 302 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1100th of 9204 | 828 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 326th of 12526 | 14,184 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 159th of 19264 | 30,348 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 124th of 27321 | 38,833 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 235th of 35406 | 21,893 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 385th of 30306 | 9,849 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
59.30% 3080th/5194 |
49.75% 3143rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
70.27% 969th/1379 |
- | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
70.89% 1096th/1546 |
36.76% 572nd/1556 |
- |
54.43% 842nd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
16.93% 377th/2227 |
8.64% 210th/2430 |
16.44% 469th/2853 |
10.52% 292nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
6.06% 178th/2937 |
3.19% 111th/3483 |
5.91% 208th/3518 |
4.08% 165th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
2.99% 110th/3685 |
2.06% 92nd/4475 |
3.14% 163rd/5194 |
2.47% 156th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
4.67% 214th/4582 |
3.39% 175th/5164 |
3.92% 287th/7313 |
3.50% 261st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
13.08% 521st/3984 |
8.51% 382nd/4487 |
6.13% 418th/6822 |
4.86% 305th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Connecticut across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 4108th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4434th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4360th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3307th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4136th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 10379th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 18910th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2094th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1100th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 326th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 159th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 124th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 235th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 385th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.