Allisson

Allisson is an overly elaborate Americanized rendition of Alison. One of the most common English female names dating back to medieval times, Alison is essentially a diminutive of Alice (brought to England as Aalis by the Norman-French). Aalis (later Alice) developed as a reduced spelling variant of the personal name “Adalheidis” (Adelaide), from the Germanic elements “adal” meaning “noble” and “heid” meaning “kind, sort”. Alison persisted in popularity in England and Scotland throughout the Middle Ages before eventually falling from favor around the 16th century. However, despite Alison going out of style in England, it maintained its popularity in Scotland. As a result, Alison will always carry a particular Scottish flavor. The name was eventually resurrected from the dead in the 20th century when it enjoyed a great revival. Especially in America. And, as American parents are apt to do, several spelling mutations began to emerge. Alison and Allison are considered the “correct” traditional spellings of this charming Anglo-Norman name, but in more recent years, Alisson, Allisson, Allyson and Alyson have also showed up to the party. Allisson is obviously the busiest example of Alison.