Alison is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the male name Alan. The name Alan itself has several possible origins, including Old German and Celtic, but its meaning is generally agreed upon as "noble" or "harmonious".
The name Alison first became popular in Scotland during the Middle Ages, where it was often used as a feminine form of Alan. Over time, it spread to other parts of Britain and eventually made its way to other English-speaking countries.
Today, Alison is still a widely-used name, particularly in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It has also gained popularity in some European countries, such as France and Sweden.
Some notable people with the name Alison include American singer-songwriter Alison Moyet, Canadian actress Alison Pill, and Australian tennis player Alison Janney. However, it is important to note that these individuals are not representative of the name's meaning or history.
Overall, Alison is a classic and elegant name with a rich history dating back centuries. Its Latin origins give it a sophisticated sound, while its Scottish roots add a touch of charm and uniqueness. Despite its male counterpart Alan having several possible meanings, Alison's meaning remains clear: noble and harmonious.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Alison has seen a consistent presence in the United States over the years. In 1985 and 1986, there were 5 babies named Alison each year. This indicates that while it was not a highly popular choice during these years, it was still a name used for newborn girls. Interestingly, there was an increase in the number of babies named Alison in 1988, with a total of 7 births that year. This could suggest a slight trend towards more parents choosing this name for their daughters around this time period. Overall, between 1985 and 1988, there were a total of 17 newborn girls named Alison in the United States.