What does Alice mean and where does it come from?
Alice is derived from the Old French name 'Alicia', which in turn comes from the Germanic name 'Adalheidis' (Adelaide). The name became popular in the English-speaking world largely due to Lewis Carroll's 1865 novel 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'. Notable figures with the name include Alice Walk
Cultural significance
Alice has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of noble, kind.
Peak popularity
Reached #8 in 1880 — currently #65 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Alice?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Alice?
Alice works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Alice Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Alice Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Alice Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Alice Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Alice Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Alice Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Alice right now?
Holding steady — currently #65 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #65 | 3,547 | ▼ down 2 |
| 2024 | #63 | 3,531 | ▲ up 3 · +6% births |
| 2023 | #66 | 3,346 | ▼ down 2 · -5% births |
| 2022 | #64 | 3,511 | ▲ up 1 |
| 2021 | #65 | 3,509 | ▲ up 11 · +7% births |
| 2020 | #76 | 3,268 | ▲ up 10 · -4% births |
| 2015 | #86 | 3,418 | ▲ up 86 · +92% births |
| 2010 | #172 | 1,779 | ▲ up 242 · +136% births |
| 2005 | #414 | 753 | ▲ up 8 · +13% births |
| 2000 | #422 | 668 | ▲ up 20 · +15% births |
| 1995 | #442 | 579 | ▼ down 97 · -25% births |
| 1990 | #345 | 772 | ▲ up 7 · +15% births |
| 1985 | #352 | 669 | ▼ down 25 · -9% births |
| 1980 | #327 | 739 | ▼ down 96 · -30% births |
| 1975 | #231 | 1,055 | — |
The story of Alice
Alice has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #8 in 1880, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 572K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Alice is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Alice in 1880:
Alice by decade
Alice peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 17,198 | |
| 1890s | 24,515 | |
| 1900s | 35,355 | |
| 1910s | 86,117 | |
| 1920s ★ | 110,910 | |
| 1930s | 79,366 | |
| 1940s | 72,645 | |
| 1950s | 52,219 | |
| 1960s | 27,046 | |
| 1970s | 11,182 | |
| 1980s | 7,368 | |
| 1990s | 6,464 | |
| 2000s | 8,256 | |
| 2010s | 30,586 | |
| 2020s | 10,352 | |
What are good nicknames for Alice?
AFRICAN AMERICAN
KalishaTalisha
ANCIENT GERMANIC
AdelaAdelina
What names sound and feel like Alice?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Alice also consider these
How is Alice written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Alice
What does the name Alice mean?
Alice means "Noble, kind" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Alice?
Alice is currently ranked #66 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Alice?
Alice originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Alice?
Alice is a two-syllable name pronounced AL-us. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Alice more of a girl or boy name?
Alice is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.