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 the annual birth statistics for the name Alice in the United States from 1881 to 2022, we can observe several trends and patterns:
From 1881 to 1924, the number of births with the name Alice fluctuated between a low of 5 births in 1894 and a high of 39 births in 1924. The most common number of births during this period was around 9 to 10 births per year.
From 1925 to 1976, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Alice. During these years, the number of births with this name ranged from a low of 5 births in 1975 and 1976 to a high of 51 births in 1929 and 1930. The most common number of births during this period was around 40 to 50 births per year.
From 1977 to the present day, the popularity of the name Alice has declined significantly. During these years, the number of births with this name ranged from a low of 5 births in several years (including 2012, 2014, 2015, and 2018) to a high of 14 births in 1989. The most common number of births during this period was around 6 to 7 births per year.
Overall, the total number of births with the name Alice in the United States from 1881 to 2022 is 1953. This demonstrates that while the popularity of the name Alice has varied over time, it has remained a relatively common name throughout history.