Allison

Allison is a name that appears in both a surname and a feminine given name. The given name Allison (and its variants Alison, Alisson) originated from the medieval personal name Alice, which itself derives from the Old French Adelais, a derivative of the Germanic element adal- meaning noble. The surname Allison arose as a patronymic, meaning “son of Alice” or “son of Alison,” and it has many regional spellings.

The surname is found in England, Scotland, and Ireland and spread to North America with English-speaking settlers. Variants include Alison, Alisson, Allinson, Allanson, Allenson, and, of course, Allison. The form Allison has become a widely used given name for girls in many English-speaking countries since the 20th century, with other spellings such as Alison and Allie. While predominantly feminine in modern usage, there are historical and contemporary instances of male usage as well, though less common.

Geographic usage includes places named Allison in the United States, reflecting the name’s broader cultural reach beyond individual naming. The surname is carried by many people in public life across fields such as arts, sports, science, and politics, while the given name continues to be chosen by families for new generations.

Overall, Allison reflects a blend of medieval linguistic roots and modern naming trends, with continuity across surnames and given names, and a presence in geography and culture through various spellings and bearers.