What does Alis mean and where does it come from?
Alis is a name that stems from the Old French name Aalis, which is a diminutive of the name Alice. The name Alice has been popular since the Middle Ages, with various regional adaptations appearing throughout Europe. While it is more commonly spelled Alice, Alis offers a modern twist. Famous bearers
Cultural significance
Alis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a variation of alice, meaning 'noble' or 'exalted'..
Peak popularity
Reached #4174 in 2025 — currently #4174 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Alis?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Alis?
Alis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Alis Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Alis Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Alis Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Alis Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Alis Maeve
One syllable · timeless choice
Alis Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Alis right now?
Rising fast — up 985 spots — currently #4174 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #4174 | 34 | ▲ up 985 · +36% births |
| 2024 | #5159 | 25 | ▼ down 4429 · -98% births |
| 2023 | #730 | 1,470 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #735 | 1,450 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #740 | 1,420 | ▲ up 7277 · +10823% births |
| 2020 | #8017 | 13 | ▼ down 1236 · -28% births |
| 2015 | #6781 | 18 | ▲ up 3843 · +80% births |
| 2010 | #10624 | 10 | ▼ down 289 |
| 2005 | #10335 | 10 | ▼ down 944 |
| 2000 | #9391 | 10 | ▼ down 1833 · -9% births |
| 1990 | #7558 | 11 | ▲ up 1202 · +57% births |
| 1985 | #8760 | 7 | ▼ down 167 · +17% births |
| 1975 | #8593 | 6 | — |
The story of Alis
Alis is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1968. With 375 total births recorded, Alis remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8593 in 1975 to #730 in 2023. Alis is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Alis in 2025:
Alis by decade
Alis peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 6 | |
| 1970s | 17 | |
| 1980s | 39 | |
| 1990s | 48 | |
| 2000s | 111 | |
| 2010s ★ | 141 | |
| 2020s | 72 | |
💎Alis has only 375 total recorded births since 1968 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Alis?
AFRICAN AMERICAN
KalishaTalisha
ANCIENT GERMANIC
AdelaAdelina
What names sound and feel like Alis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Alis also consider these
How is Alis written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Alis
What does the name Alis mean?
Alis means "A variation of Alice, meaning 'noble' or 'exalted'." — 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 Alis?
Alis is currently ranked #730 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 Alis?
Alis 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 Alis?
Alis is a two-syllable name pronounced AL-iz. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Alis more of a girl or boy name?
Alis is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.