All about the name

Allison

Male

« Allison is an English female given name derived from Germanic elements meaning "noble strength" or "powerful noblewoman. »

#10995 over 5 years

Meaning, origin, history

Allison is a feminine given name of English origin. It is derived from the Germanic elements adal, meaning "noble," and swiu, which means "strength" or "power." Therefore, Allison can be interpreted to mean "noble strength" or "powerful noblewoman." The name Allison has been in use for centuries, with its earliest recorded instances appearing in medieval England. However, it was not particularly popular until the mid-20th century when it began to gain traction and became quite common during the 1980s and 1990s. Allison is often associated with notable figures such as Allison Janney, an American actress known for her role in The West Wing, and Allison Crowe, a Canadian singer-songwriter. While these individuals have contributed to the familiarity of the name, it is important to note that its popularity predates their successes. In terms of variations, Allison can be spelled with one or two Ls, as well as with different capitalization styles (e.g., Allison, allison). Some common nicknames and related names include Alli, Ally, Alleen, Alison, Alix, and Allana.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Allison since 1880

Total births
3,811
Total since 1880
Peak year
1917
72 births
in 2022
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-14%
vs previous 5 years