What does Alison mean and where does it come from?
The name Alison is derived from the Old French name 'Alicien' which is a diminutive of 'Alice'. Its first recorded use in England dates back to the 12th century. It gained popularity in the 20th century and is often associated with nobility and aristocracy. Variants of the name include Alisson, Alys
Cultural significance
Alison has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of noble.
Peak popularity
Reached #96 in 1986 — currently #471 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Alison?
Alison works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Alison Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Alison Rose
Floral · soft ending
Alison Mae
Sweet · timeless
Alison Claire
French influence · crisp
Alison Jane
Literary · strong
Alison Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Alison right now?
Declining — down 14 spots — currently #471 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #471 | 653 | ▼ down 14 · -6% births |
| 2022 | #457 | 692 | ▲ up 18 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #475 | 658 | ▼ down 38 · -5% births |
| 2020 | #437 | 696 | ▼ down 99 · -28% births |
| 2015 | #338 | 966 | ▼ down 68 · -21% births |
| 2010 | #270 | 1,216 | ▼ down 10 · -3% births |
| 2005 | #260 | 1,256 | ▼ down 29 · -9% births |
| 2000 | #231 | 1,381 | ▼ down 69 · -29% births |
| 1995 | #162 | 1,952 | ▼ down 30 · -17% births |
| 1990 | #132 | 2,362 | ▼ down 35 · -17% births |
| 1985 | #97 | 2,829 | ▲ up 4 · -5% births |
| 1980 | #101 | 2,983 | ▲ up 26 · +31% births |
| 1975 | #127 | 2,269 | ▲ up 60 · +29% births |
| 1970 | #187 | 1,764 | ▲ up 36 · +21% births |
| 1965 | #223 | 1,458 | — |
The story of Alison
Alison entered American naming records in 1905 and has been in use for over 119 years. Its peak popularity was #96 in 1986. More than 114,116 babies have been named Alison since 1905. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1691 in 1905 to #471 in 2023. Alison is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Alison in 1986:
Alison by decade
Alison peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 12 | |
| 1910s | 158 | |
| 1920s | 238 | |
| 1930s | 385 | |
| 1940s | 1,485 | |
| 1950s | 6,239 | |
| 1960s | 12,255 | |
| 1970s | 22,203 | |
| 1980s ★ | 27,182 | |
| 1990s | 19,790 | |
| 2000s | 13,328 | |
| 2010s | 10,145 | |
| 2020s | 696 | |
What are good nicknames for Alison?
ENGLISH
AdalynAdalynnAdelineAdelynAleneAliAlineAllieAllyDeliaDella
What names sound and feel like Alison?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Alison also consider these
How is Alison written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Alison
What does the name Alison mean?
Alison means "noble" — 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 Alison?
Alison is currently ranked #471 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 Alison?
Alison 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.
What sibling names go well with Alison?
Alison pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Alison more of a girl or boy name?
Alison is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.