Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Alyson

Alyson is a more modern spelling variation of Alison, a name that dates back to medieval Europe and is ultimately derived from Alice. Alice in turn was developed by the French as an abbreviated spelling of Adelaide which comes from the Germanic female name “Adalheidis”, from the elements “adal” meaning “noble” and “heid” meaning “kind, sort”. The Norman French brought Alison to England in the 11th century and it persisted in popularity for centuries as evidenced by Geoffrey Chaucer’s character Alison from “The Miller’s Tale” in his 14th century literary masterpiece the Canterbury Tales (see literary references under the name Alison). Alison eventually fell from favor in England by the 16th century but persisted in popularity in Scotland which is why we often associate this name with the Scots. The name reemerged in popularity among most English-speakers again in the early 20th century and maintains a respectable level of popularity. In the United States, new spelling variants have also materialized and Alyson is one such example of this American trend.

All About the Baby Name – Alyson

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME ALYSON

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 ALYSON

Alyson is currently the fourth most popular spelling variation of Alison. Allison is the most preferred, followed by Allyson and then close behind that is the traditional minimalistic spelling of Alison. By far and away, Americans like the Allison spelling best. Only 6% of the “Alisons” being born today are given the Alyson spelling. Alyson first appeared on the American female naming charts in 1958, so she’s been around longer than you might think. Therefore, the spelling doesn’t feel as kitschy or manufactured as some others (Allisson is a head-scratcher for us). It’s a pretty, simplistic spelling that quietly swaps the “i” for a “y”. About 10,000 baby girls are given some form of this name each year right now (based off 2010 data), and that doesn’t even include the root name Alice. Allison is far more popular than first meets the eye. We hope people don’t get too carried away with more spelling modifications and mutilations. This trend always seems to cheapen the name somehow. It happened with names like Michaela, Madeline, Caitlin and even the more modern Hailey. Alyson, however, is a very pretty spelling which clearly has staying power.

Quick Facts

ON ALYSON

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

576

PRONUNCIATION:

AL-i-sən

SIMPLE MEANING:

Noble one

Characteristics

OF ALYSON

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Alyson

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ALYSON

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ALYSON

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Alyson


Popular Songs

ON ALYSON

Alyson
a song by Rick Springfield

Famous People

NAMED ALYSON

Alyson Hannigan (actress)

Children of Famous People

NAMED ALYSON

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ALYSON

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