Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Alison

We had to do a lot of backtracking to determine the etymology of the name Alison. This was a very common name in the Middle Ages, derived from “Alice” which was used by the Norman French and brought 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 (adal) kind (heid). So the root of Alison means “nobility” and the origins span across many groups.

All About the Baby Name – Alison

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME ALISON

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME ALISON

Even though Allison with two “Ls” is now the preferred spelling in the United States, Alison (with one L) was the first to appear on the American popularity charts in 1934. The height of Alison’s popularity came in the mid-1980s when for two brief years she actually managed to squeak a spot on the Top 100 list of most commonly used female names. Today the name is forced to compete with so many different spelling variations and spin-offs. We like Alison in particular and consider it the most traditional spellings of all (it’s how the Scottish would spell it). The pet forms, Allie or Ally, have become names of choice in their own right. Gwyneth Paltrow used Alison as one of her daughter Apple’s middle names. Alison is a medieval name that became a 20th century favorite. So much so that many feel it’s been overused. Nonetheless, this ‘noble’ name is a keeper.

Quick Facts

ON ALISON

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

297

PRONUNCIATION:

AL-ә-sin

SIMPLE MEANING:

Nobility, of the noble kind

Characteristics

OF ALISON

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Alison

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ALISON

The Millers Tale was one of the Canterbury Tales written by Geoffrey Chaucer at the end of the 14th century (circa 1385). The character of Alison is introduced as the beautiful, wild and desirable young wife of a much older carpenter. A young student persuades Alison to have sex with him (stories were a bit racy back in the 14th century). They dupe the old carpenter into thinking a Great Flood is coming so that he must prepare tubs (hanging from the rafters) to provide floatation when the flood arrives. This keeps the carpenter preoccupied so the young lovers can get down to business. As the outlandish story unfolds, another suitor, the parish clerk, appears begging Alison for a kiss at her small bedchamber window. In the dark of night, she presents her rear end at the window so that he "kissed her naked arse full savorly.”

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ALISON

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Alison


Popular Songs

ON ALISON

Alison
a song by Elvis Costello

Alison's Starting to Happen
a song by the The Lemonheads

Alison's the Bomb
a song by the Huntingtons

Famous People

NAMED ALISON

Alison Lohman (actress)
Alison Sweeney (actress)
Alison Arngrim (actress)
Alison Bartlett-O'Reilly (actress)
Alison Brie (actress)
Alison Davis-Blake (golfer)
Alison Doody (Irish actress and model)
Alison Eastwood (actress/daughter of Clint Eastwood)
Alison Kennedy (Scottish author)
Alison King (actress)
Alison Krauss (country musician)
Alison Mosshart (musician)
Alison Sudol (musician)

Children of Famous People

NAMED ALISON

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ALISON

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