What does Alicia mean and where does it come from?
Alicia is a variant of the name Alice, which comes from the Old French name Aalis, a diminutive of Adelais. It has been used in various cultures, including Spanish and English-speaking countries. Alicia is particularly popular in Latin America and has been borne by several notable figures, including
Cultural significance
Alicia has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of noble.
Peak popularity
Reached #40 in 1984 — currently #440 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spanish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Alicia?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Alicia?
Alicia works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Alicia Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Alicia Rose
Floral · soft ending
Alicia Mae
Sweet · timeless
Alicia Claire
French influence · crisp
Alicia Jane
Literary · strong
Alicia Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Alicia right now?
Declining — down 26 spots — currently #440 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #440 | 702 | ▼ down 26 · -8% births |
| 2022 | #414 | 759 | ▲ up 3 · +1% births |
| 2021 | #417 | 754 | ▼ down 3 · +1% births |
| 2020 | #414 | 744 | ▼ down 54 · -18% births |
| 2015 | #360 | 909 | ▼ down 140 · -36% births |
| 2010 | #220 | 1,430 | ▼ down 72 · -39% births |
| 2005 | #148 | 2,342 | ▼ down 27 · -15% births |
| 2000 | #121 | 2,761 | ▼ down 32 · -29% births |
| 1995 | #89 | 3,908 | ▼ down 35 · -40% births |
| 1990 | #54 | 6,510 | ▼ down 9 · -9% births |
| 1985 | #45 | 7,122 | ▲ up 2 · +24% births |
| 1980 | #47 | 5,752 | ▲ up 29 · +55% births |
| 1975 | #76 | 3,718 | ▲ up 42 · +12% births |
| 1970 | #118 | 3,321 | ▲ up 41 · +41% births |
| 1965 | #159 | 2,356 | — |
The story of Alicia
Alicia has been a beloved American name for over 143 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1881. Its peak popularity was #40 in 1984. More than 227,820 babies have been named Alicia since 1881. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #817 in 1885 to #440 in 2023. Alicia is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Alicia in 1984:
Alicia by decade
Alicia peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 69 | |
| 1890s | 130 | |
| 1900s | 192 | |
| 1910s | 755 | |
| 1920s | 2,264 | |
| 1930s | 2,792 | |
| 1940s | 5,032 | |
| 1950s | 9,912 | |
| 1960s | 22,488 | |
| 1970s | 39,434 | |
| 1980s ★ | 67,244 | |
| 1990s | 43,583 | |
| 2000s | 23,148 | |
| 2010s | 10,033 | |
| 2020s | 744 | |
What are good nicknames for Alicia?
AFRICAN AMERICAN
KalishaTalisha
ANCIENT GERMANIC
AdelaAdelina
Famous people named Alicia
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Alicia (Flamenco artist)
Alicia carried this name in the vibrant tradition of Spanish music and dance.
A(
Alicia (Latin American historical figure)
Alicia used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.
A(
Alicia (Spanish royal)
Alicia held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.
A(
Alicia (Spanish conquistador or explorer)
Alicia bore this name during the Age of Exploration, spreading it across the Americas.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Alicia?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Alicia also consider these
How is Alicia written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Alicia
What does the name Alicia mean?
Alicia means "noble" — a name rooted in Spanish 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 Alicia?
Alicia is currently ranked #440 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Alicia?
Alicia originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish 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 Alicia?
Alicia is a three-syllable name pronounced AA0 L IY1 SH AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Alicia?
Alicia pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spanish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.