Alice – Name Meaning
Alice is a name of English origin, derived from the Old French name Aalis, which in turn is derived from the Germanic name Adalheidis. The meaning of Alice is “noble” or “of noble kind”. It has been used as a given name since the 12th century and has become increasingly popular in recent years.
History and Origin
The name Alice was first recorded in England during the Middle Ages. It was derived from the Old French name Aalis, which in turn was derived from the Germanic name Adalheidis. The meaning of Alice is “noble” or “of noble kind”. It has been used as a given name since the 12th century and has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Alice was also used as a nickname for Adelaide, which means “noble” or “kind”. In addition, it was sometimes used as a pet form of Alexandra or Alison. The popularity of Alice increased significantly during the Victorian era when it became associated with Lewis Carroll’s classic novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Popularity
Alice is currently one of the most popular names for girls in many countries around the world, including Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the United States. In 2019, it ranked at number 11 on the list of most popular baby girl names in England and Wales.
In the United States, Alice has been consistently popular since 1880 when it first appeared on the Social Security Administration’s list of top 1000 baby names. It peaked at number 8 in 1910 and remained within the top 20 until 1940. Since then, its popularity has declined slightly but it still remains within the top 100.
Famous People Named Alice
There are many famous people who have borne this name throughout history. These include:
- Alice Roosevelt Longworth, daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt and an influential political figure in her own right.
- Alice Walker, Pulitzer Prize-winning author best known for her novel The Color Purple.
- Alice Cooper, rock musician whose career spans five decades.
- Alice Paul, suffragist leader who wrote much of the language for the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Conclusion
Alice is a timeless classic that has been used as a given name since medieval times. Its meaning is “noble” or “of noble kind” and it has been consistently popular throughout history. There are many famous people who have borne this name throughout history, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for a strong yet feminine name for their daughter.
