What does Allison mean and where does it come from?
Allison is of Scottish origin, derived from the medieval name Alison, which itself is a diminutive form of Alice, meaning 'noble' or 'kind'. The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States. Historically, the name can be traced back to the 12th century in E
Cultural significance
Allison has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #30 in 2009 — currently #100 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Allison?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Allison?
Allison works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Allison Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Allison Rose
Floral · soft ending
Allison Mae
Sweet · timeless
Allison Claire
French influence · crisp
Allison Jane
Literary · strong
Allison Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Allison right now?
Holding steady — currently #100 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #100 | 2,646 | ▲ up 1 · -2% births |
| 2022 | #101 | 2,711 | ▼ down 19 · -14% births |
| 2021 | #82 | 3,138 | ▼ down 2 |
| 2020 | #80 | 3,132 | ▼ down 41 · -41% births |
| 2015 | #39 | 5,346 | ▼ down 1 · -9% births |
| 2010 | #38 | 5,864 | ▲ up 7 · +4% births |
| 2005 | #45 | 5,634 | ▼ down 1 · -11% births |
| 2000 | #44 | 6,314 | ▼ down 10 · -22% births |
| 1995 | #34 | 8,126 | ▲ up 14 · +14% births |
| 1990 | #48 | 7,132 | ▼ down 2 · +1% births |
| 1985 | #46 | 7,029 | ▲ up 13 · +44% births |
| 1980 | #59 | 4,871 | ▲ up 30 · +45% births |
| 1975 | #89 | 3,349 | ▲ up 44 · +27% births |
| 1970 | #133 | 2,629 | ▼ down 5 · -14% births |
| 1965 | #128 | 3,044 | — |
The story of Allison
Allison entered American naming records in 1908 and has been in use for over 116 years. Its peak popularity was #30 in 2009. More than 309,111 babies have been named Allison since 1908. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2436 in 1910 to #100 in 2023. Allison is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Allison in 2009:
Allison by decade
Allison peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 70 | |
| 1890s | 80 | |
| 1900s | 94 | |
| 1910s | 576 | |
| 1920s | 837 | |
| 1930s | 659 | |
| 1940s | 1,065 | |
| 1950s | 4,938 | |
| 1960s | 16,928 | |
| 1970s | 34,424 | |
| 1980s | 62,648 | |
| 1990s ★ | 74,570 | |
| 2000s | 60,087 | |
| 2010s | 48,997 | |
| 2020s | 3,138 | |
What are good nicknames for Allison?
ENGLISH
AdalynAdalynnAdelineAdelynAleneAliAlineAllieAllyDeliaDella
What names sound and feel like Allison?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Allison also consider these
How is Allison written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Allison
What does the name Allison mean?
Allison means "English" — a name rooted in Scotland 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 Allison?
Allison is currently ranked #100 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 Allison?
Allison originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland 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 Allison?
Allison is a three-syllable name pronounced AE1 L AH0 S AH0 N. 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 Allison?
Allison pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Scotland heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.