Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Allison originates from the Old French name Aalis, which is a diminutive of the name Alice, ultimately deriving from the Germanic name Adelaide meaning 'noble kind'. The name has evolved through various forms over time and gained popularity in the 20th century. It is associated with positive traits such as elegance and sophistication. There is no direct biblical relevance connected to the name.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈælɪsən/
Origin
Old French, Germanic
Etymology
Allison is derived from the name Alice, which comes from the Old French name Aalis, a diminutive of Adalheidis (Adelaide) meaning 'noble kind' or 'of noble birth'.
Meaning
noble kind
Language Evolution
Aalis, Alice, Allison
Historical Usage
Allison became popular in the English-speaking world in the 20th century, initially as a surname before transitioning to a first name.
Variants & Derivatives
Alyson, Alison, Ally
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Allison is viewed as a classic and trendy name, often associated with elegance and sophistication.
Famous People
Allison Janney, Allison Williams, Allison Krauss
📊 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 8,163 peak births in 1994
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada
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 | 852nd of 7545 | 1,014 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1026th of 6773 | 747 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1167th of 7552 | 793 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1703rd of 10718 | 439 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2476th of 16616 | 407 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 6302nd of 24088 | 185 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 9975th of 23106 | 75 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1911th of 9107 | 343 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1513th of 9204 | 490 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 355th of 12526 | 12,089 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 116th of 19264 | 48,478 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 44th of 27321 | 109,730 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 38th of 35406 | 98,892 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 61st of 30306 | 46,503 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
83.05% 1176th/1416 |
51.85% 715th/1379 |
42.27% 1000th/2366 |
65.67% 750th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- |
50.45% 785th/1556 |
73.40% 1727th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
61.56% 1371st/2227 |
53.62% 1303rd/2430 |
49.07% 1400th/2853 |
50.20% 1393rd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
48.21% 1679th/3483 |
- | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
60.14% 2216th/3685 |
57.01% 2551st/4475 |
43.67% 2268th/5194 |
63.94% 4039th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
50.91% 3723rd/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
72.66% 1002nd/1379 |
- | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
100.00% 1546th/1546 |
65.81% 1024th/1556 |
- |
79.96% 1237th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
18.50% 412th/2227 |
11.44% 278th/2430 |
14.02% 400th/2853 |
11.96% 332nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
4.56% 134th/2937 |
2.67% 93rd/3483 |
3.04% 107th/3518 |
3.12% 126th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
1.14% 42nd/3685 |
0.89% 40th/4475 |
0.96% 50th/5194 |
1.04% 66th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
0.68% 31st/4582 |
0.89% 46th/5164 |
0.56% 41st/7313 |
0.70% 52nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
2.23% 89th/3984 |
1.96% 88th/4487 |
0.69% 47th/6822 |
0.91% 57th/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 Nevada across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the MidWest 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 declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, too falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too rising for female in South, stalled for male in West, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, too rising for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling 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 852nd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1026th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1167th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1703rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2476th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 6302nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 9975th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1911th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1513th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 355th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 116th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 44th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 38th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 61st out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.