Alison
Alison is a girl name of French/English origin meaning “Noble”, pronounced AL-i-suhn. It ranked #476 in the United States in 2025, given to 644 babies, and peaked at #96 in 1986. Common nicknames: Ali, Allie, Sonny.
How popular is Alison in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Alison mean, and where does it come from?
Alison developed in medieval France as a diminutive of Alice, itself from the Germanic "Adalheidis," meaning "noble." It was among the most common English names in the Middle Ages, appearing in Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" as the name of the Wife of Bath. After falling out of fashion for centuries, it returned strongly in the twentieth century, particularly in North America and Britain. Alison remains a warm, classic choice, often used interchangeably with the double-"l" spelling Allison.
How is Alison used around the world?
Alison is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 8+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Alison?
Famous People Named Alison
- Alison Krauss — American bluegrass singer
- Alyson Hannigan — American actress (alternate spelling)
Similar Names to Alison
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Sibling Name Ideas for Alison
Looking for names that pair well with Alison? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Alison mean?
Alison is a girl name of French/English origin meaning "Noble." Alison developed in medieval France as a diminutive of Alice, itself from the Germanic "Adalheidis," meaning "noble." It was among the most common English names in the Middle Ages, appearing in Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" as the name of the Wife of Bath.
How do you pronounce Alison?
Alison is pronounced AL-i-suhn. Common variations include Allison, Allyson, Alyson.
Is Alison a girl name?
Yes, Alison is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Ali, Allie, Sonny.