All about the name

Allison

Female

« The name Allison is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "Alice," which itself evolved from the Germanic name "Adalheidis." It means 'noble kind' or 'noble battle.' »

#100 last year

Meaning, origin, history

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.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Allison since 1880

Total births
313,885
Total since 1880
Peak year
1994
8,150 births
in 2023
2,641
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-25%
vs previous 5 years