Alisson

Alisson is yet another modern Americanized spelling 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 status 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 during which time it enjoyed a resurgence of popularity. Especially in America. And, as American parents are apt to do, several mutated spellings began to emerge. Of course the Alison and Allison spellings are the most common, Alisson, Allisson, Allyson and Alyson have also showed up to the party. It all depends on the particular parental fondness for “l”s and “s”s or “i” vs. “y”. Allie and Ally are both super common nicknames for this old Anglo-Norman noble darling.