Alicja is a feminine given name of Polish origin. It is derived from the Germanic name Adalheidis, which consists of the elements "adal," meaning "noble" or "illustrious," and "heid," meaning "kind" or "battle." Therefore, Alicja can be translated as "noble kind."
The name Alicja has been popular in Poland for centuries. It was used by several prominent historical figures, including Queen Jadwiga of Poland (also known as St. Hedwig), who ruled the country in the 14th century and is revered as a patron saint of Poland and Lithuania.
In literature, Alicja appears as the protagonist in "Alicja w Kraju Czarów" ("Alice in Wonderland"), a popular children's novel written by Polish author Janusz Korczak. This has contributed to the name's enduring popularity among Polish-speaking families.
Today, Alicja remains a beloved and commonly used name in Poland and other Slavic countries, while it is less known internationally compared to its English counterpart, Alice. Despite this, some people of non-Polish descent may choose Alicja for its unique sound and cultural significance.
The name Alicja has seen a significant increase in popularity since the late 1990s, with a notable peak in the early 2000s and again around 2010-2012.