Alice is a name of Latin origin that means "noble" or "of noble rank." It has been used throughout history in various cultures and languages, but it was popularized in English-speaking countries by Lewis Carroll's famous novel "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," published in 1865.
The name Alice first appeared in England during the Middle Ages. It is a feminine form of the Latin name Adalis or Adelais, which were derived from the Germanic elements adi "noble" and hild "battle." In some cases, it may also be derived from the Old French name Aalis, which was itself derived from Adaline.
Alice has been a popular choice for girls' names in many countries over time. In France, for example, it was among the top 10 most popular names for girls born between 1946 and 1955. In England and Wales, Alice peaked as the third most popular name for baby girls in 2017.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Alice. These include: Saint Alice of Schaerbeek (d. c. 1250), who is honored as a patron saint of pregnant women; Empress Alice of Japan (1846-1908), consort to Emperor Meiji; and American suffragist Alice Paul (1885-1977), who played a crucial role in securing women's right to vote.
Today, the name Alice continues to be widely used around the world. It remains popular in English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, as well as in France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and many other nations. Its enduring appeal can perhaps be attributed to its timeless meaning of nobility, along with its association with Carroll's enchanting tale of imagination and adventure.
Based on these statistics, the name Alice appears to have been quite popular at times but has seen a significant decrease in usage over the years. The peak periods for the name were around the late 1800s and early 1900s, with particularly high numbers of births in 1925 (51 births) and 1930 (51 births). However, after the 1940s, there was a steady decline in the number of babies named Alice. Since the late 20th century, the name has been given to fewer than 10 babies per year on average, with some years having only 5 births. As of the most recent data provided (2022), there were 7 births named Alice, suggesting that while it's not a top choice currently, the name is still being used occasionally.