Alison is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the male name Alan. The name Alan itself has several possible origins, including Old German and Celtic, but its meaning is generally agreed upon as "noble" or "harmonious".
The name Alison first became popular in Scotland during the Middle Ages, where it was often used as a feminine form of Alan. Over time, it spread to other parts of Britain and eventually made its way to other English-speaking countries.
Today, Alison is still a widely-used name, particularly in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It has also gained popularity in some European countries, such as France and Sweden.
Some notable people with the name Alison include American singer-songwriter Alison Moyet, Canadian actress Alison Pill, and Australian tennis player Alison Janney. However, it is important to note that these individuals are not representative of the name's meaning or history.
Overall, Alison is a classic and elegant name with a rich history dating back centuries. Its Latin origins give it a sophisticated sound, while its Scottish roots add a touch of charm and uniqueness. Despite its male counterpart Alan having several possible meanings, Alison's meaning remains clear: noble and harmonious.
"The name Alison experienced a dip in popularity during the late eighties, with only five babies named Alison each year in both 1985 and 1986. However, it saw a slight increase to seven births in 1988. In total, there were seventeen baby girls named Alison over these three years."