Alys is a name of Welsh origin and means "noble". It is derived from the Welsh word "ael" meaning noble or chief. The name has been associated with Wales since ancient times and was used by several historical figures, including Alys of Monmouth who married King John of England in the 12th century.
The name Alys was particularly popular during the Middle Ages in Wales and England. It was often used as a feminine form of the name Aël, which was popular among Welsh princes and nobles. The name also has connections to the legendary figure of King Arthur and his knights, with some sources suggesting that Alys may have been one of their names.
Today, Alys is still used as a given name in Wales and other parts of the United Kingdom, but it is relatively uncommon compared to other Welsh names such as Rhys or Sioned. However, its unique meaning and historical significance make it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Alys has had a fluctuating popularity over the years in the United States, with peaks and valleys in its usage. The earliest record of the name's use is from 1880, with only five births that year. However, it was not until 1906 that we saw a significant increase in its popularity, with eleven births recorded that year.
The years following 1906 showed a steady rise in the number of newborn girls named Alys. This trend continued until 1923, during which time there were at least twenty-four births each year, with peaks reaching as high as twenty-nine in 1920 and twenty-six in both 1923 and 1924.
However, the late 1920s and early 1930s marked a decline in the name's popularity. The number of births fell to single digits, with as few as seven in 1947 and five in 1955. This downward trend continued until the mid-1960s when the popularity of the name started to pick up again.
The 1970s saw a gradual increase in the number of births named Alys, with a high of twelve in 1975. This popularity continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with peaks reaching seventeen births in both 1988 and 1989.
However, from the year 2000 onwards, there has been a significant decline in the usage of the name Alys. While it still appears to have some popularity, with eleven births recorded in 2010 and peaks reaching twenty-nine in 2023, its overall usage has decreased compared to previous decades.
In conclusion, while the name Alys has had periods of popularity over the years in the United States, its usage has generally declined since the mid-twentieth century. Despite this decline, it remains a unique and distinctive name with a rich history.