Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Ally

Ally, like Allie, is primarily considered a diminutive of Alison; although there are so many names in circulation starting with the “Ali-” prefix it could be used as a short form for any of these. Alison is a medieval English form of Alice, a name used among the Norman French who brought it to England in the 11th century. Alison persisted until the 16th century when it eventually fell from favor in England but proved particularly popular in Scotland where it maintained constant usage. Even though Alison was derived from Alice, Alice in turn comes from a reduced spelling variant of the Germanic “Adalheidis” (Adelaide) meaning “noble” (from adal) and “kind, sort” (from heid). Once Alison became so ubiquitous among English-speakers, the colloquial forms of Allie and Ally were so common they eventually morphed into independently given names in their own right.

All About the Baby Name – Ally

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME ALLY

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change.  Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy.  This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive. 

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME ALLY

The spelling of Ally is nowhere near as popular as Allie in the United States, but she is in circulation and has been since 1998. In fact, Ally debuted on the American female naming charts at position #417 which is quite remarkable for a first time entrant. It turns out this was no coincidence. September 1997 was when “Ally McBeal” was introduced to audiences across America and many women embraced the “anti-feminist” character of Ally (a too-skinny airhead in short skirts more preoccupied with her love life than her professional life). In any case, this is what spurred on the usage of Ally. The highest frequency of usage for Ally as a girl’s name was the first season of the “Ally McBeal” show and then the frenzy for this spelling wore off quickly (although it remains in circulation). And for the record, the character’s full name on the “Ally McBeal” TV program was Allison Marie McBeal. Both Ally and Allie are really considered nicknames, so using such names as legally given first names demonstrates a non-traditional and laid back naming style.

Quick Facts

ON ALLY

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

607

PRONUNCIATION:

AL-ee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Noble one

Characteristics

OF ALLY

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Ally

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ALLY

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Ally

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ALLY

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Ally


Popular Songs

ON ALLY

Ally McBeal Theme Song
a song by the Remotes

Ally Ally Oxen Free
a song by Kingston Trio

Famous People

NAMED ALLY

Alexandra "Ally" Sheedy (actress)
Allene "Ally" Walker (actress)
Alexandria "Ally" Hilfiger (heiress/socialite daughter of Tommy Hilfiger)

Children of Famous People

NAMED ALLY

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Ally

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ALLY

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Ally