Allison is a popular given name of English origin that has gained international recognition over the years. Its roots can be traced back to the Old English word "Alice," which was derived from the Germanic name "Adalheidis." This name is composed of two elements: "adal," meaning noble, and "haid," meaning kind or battle.
The name Allison evolved from Alice as a variant form in Scotland during the Middle Ages. It became more prevalent in the United States during the 20th century, particularly after World War II when many immigrants brought their unique names with them to America.
Historically, Allison has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One such example is Allison Janney, an American actress known for her role as CJ Cregg on the television series "The West Wing." Another famous bearer of this name is Allison Patrick, a British astronomer who made significant contributions to the field of astrophysics.
In literature and popular culture, Allison has been used in various characters and storylines. For instance, it is the given name of the protagonist in the novel "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley, while also appearing as a character in works such as "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger.
Today, Allison continues to be an appealing choice for parents seeking a strong yet feminine name with roots deep in history and culture. It has consistently ranked among the top 100 names for girls in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia since the mid-20th century. Despite its popularity, it remains a timeless option that transcends trends and maintains a classic charm.
The name Allison has been quite popular in the United States over the past century, with a significant increase in its popularity during the mid-20th century.
From the years 1908 to 1946, the number of babies named Allison ranged from just 6 births in 1908 to a peak of 85 births in 1946. However, this trend dramatically changed in the following decades. Between 1947 and 1963, the popularity of the name Allison skyrocketed, with the number of babies named Allison increasing from 102 births in 1947 to a whopping 2077 births in 1964.
The trend continued into the 1970s and 1980s, with the name Allison reaching its peak popularity during this period. In 1985, an astonishing 7029 babies were named Allison, making it one of the most popular names for girls that year.
However, like many other names that have reached peak popularity, Allison's popularity began to decline in the late 1980s and early 1990s. By the year 2000, the number of babies named Allison had decreased significantly, with only 6315 births recorded that year.
The trend continued into the 21st century, with the popularity of the name Allison continuing to decline. In recent years, the number of babies named Allison has remained relatively stable, with around 2700 births per year between 2017 and 2023.
Overall, the name Allison has had a fascinating history in the United States over the past century. While it started off as a relatively uncommon name, it quickly gained popularity during the mid-20th century, reaching its peak popularity in the 1980s before declining in recent decades. Despite this decline, Allison remains a popular and enduring name for girls in the United States today.