Alison is a unisex

given name A given name (also known as a forename or first name) is the part of a personal name quoted in that identifies a person, potentially with a middle name as well, and differentiates that person from the other members of a group (typically a fa ...

in English-speaking countries. It was originally a

medieval In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the late 5th to the late 15th centuries, similar to the Post-classical, post-classical period of World history (field), global history. It began with t ...

French

nickname A nickname is a substitute for the proper name of a familiar person, place or thing. Commonly used to express affection, a form of endearment, and sometimes amusement, it can also be used to express defamation of character. As a concept, it is ...

for ''Alis'', an old form of Alice

Albert Dauzat Albert Dauzat (; 4 July 1877 – 31 October 1955) was a French linguist specializing in toponymy and onomastics. Dauzat, a student of Jules Gilliéron, was a director of studies at the École des hautes études. Works * ''L'argot des poilus; di ...

, ''Noms et prénoms de France'', Librairie Larousse 1980, édition revue et commentée par

Marie-Thérèse Morlet Marie-Thérèse Morlet (Guise, Aisne, November 18, 1913 - July 9, 2005) was a French scholar (specialist in onomastics) and honorary director of research at CNRS. Her publications include ''Dictionnaire étymologique des noms de famille'' (''Et ...

. p. 6a. derived with the suffix ''-on'' or ''-son'' sometimes used in the former French nicknames. The

Middle English Middle English (abbreviated to ME) is a form of the English language that was spoken after the Norman conquest of 1066, until the late 15th century. The English language underwent distinct variations and developments following the Old English p ...

form was ''Alisoun''. The variant spelling Allison is the most common form in the United States.Katie Martin-Doyle, ''The Treasury of Baby Names'', Worth Press, Cambridge 2005. . Other variations include Allisan, Alisson, Allisson,

Allyson Allyson is a given name and family name, a variant form of Alison. People with the given name Allyson * Allyson Hennessy (1948-2011), Trinidadian television presenter * Allyson Schwartz (born 1948), American politician * Allyson Kay Duncan (born ...

, Allysson,

Alyson Alyson is a given name, a variant form of Alison. People with the given name Alyson * Alyson (singer) (21st century), American singer * Alyson Annan (born 1973), former field hockey player * Alyson Bailes (born 1949), former English diplomat * Al ...

, Alysson, Alicen and Alycen, with nicknames Allie, Alley, Alie, Ali, Ally, Aly, Al, Aley and Alli.

Allison Allison may refer to: People * Allison (given name) * Allison (surname) (includes a list of people with this name) * Eugene Allison Smith (1922-1980), American politician and farmer Companies * Allison Engine Company, American aircraft engine ...

also has separate, disputed roots as a

family name In some cultures, a surname, family name, or last name is the portion of one's personal name that indicates one's family, tribe or community. Practices vary by culture. The family name may be placed at either the start of a person's full name ...

. Alison, variant form Alizon, is also a French surname.

Popularity

The name is first recorded in

Scotland Scotland (, ) is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Covering the northern third of the island of Great Britain, mainland Scotland has a border with England to the southeast and is otherwise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the ...

in the 12th century. It was popular until the early 19th century and, spelled Allison, was the 45th most common name given to baby girls in the

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...

in 2005 (Allyson was #253; Alison, #259; Alyson, #468; Allie, #256; Ally, #656; and Alice, #414). In 1990 in the

, Allison was the 228th most popular name for women of ''all'' ages; Alison was #347, Allyson, #775; Alyson, #981; Allie, #764; Ali, #2434; and Alice, #51. Alison in any spelling did not enter the top 100 baby names in 2005 in

England England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Wales to its west and Scotland to its north. The Irish Sea lies northwest and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. It is separated from continental Europe b ...

and

Wales Wales ( cy, Cymru ) is a Countries of the United Kingdom, country that is part of the United Kingdom. It is bordered by England to the Wales–England border, east, the Irish Sea to the north and west, the Celtic Sea to the south west and the ...

. Allison last entered the top 1000 baby names for males in the

in 1946, when it ranked #968. In the 1910s it ranked from 667 to 981 with an average of #835, and in the first decade of the 20th century, it ranked as high as #927. In

Lusophone Lusophones ( pt, Lusófonos) are ethnic group, peoples that speak Portuguese language, Portuguese as a native language, native or as common second language and nations where Portuguese features prominently in society. Comprising an estimated 270 m ...

countries like Brazil and Portugal, Alison and variant forms are also used as masculine given names.

People named Alison

Female

Alison Balsom Alison Louise Balsom, Lady Mendes, (born 7 October 1978) is an English trumpet soloist, arranger, producer, and music educator. Balsom was awarded Artist of the Year at the 2013 Gramophone Awards and has won three Classic BRIT Awards and thre ...

(born 1978), British trumpeter *

Alison Bechdel Alison Bechdel ( ; born September 10, 1960) is an American cartoonist. Originally known for the long-running comic strip ''Dykes to Watch Out For'', she came to critical and commercial success in 2006 with her graphic memoir ''Fun Home'', which ...

(born 1960), American cartoonist *

Allison Baver Allison Baver (born August 11, 1980) is an American retired short track speed skater. A member of the U.S. short track speed skating squad beginning in 2002, Baver earned multiple medials in ISU World Cup competition. Baver competed in the 50 ...

(born 1980), American Olympic Medalist, American Actress *

Alison Becker Alison Helene Becker (born March 8, 1977) is an American actress. She is best known for appearing in NBC's ''Parks and Recreation''. Early life and education Becker grew up in Allamuchy Township, New Jersey. She attended Georgetown University i ...

(born 1977), American actress *

Alison Brie Alison Brie Schermerhorn (born December 29, 1982) is an American actress. Her breakthrough came with the role of Trudy Campbell in the drama series ''Mad Men'' (2007–2015), which won her a Screen Actors Guild Award. She gained recognition fo ...

(born 1982), American actress *

Alison Burton Alison Violet Burton (3 November 1921 – 9 June 2014) was a left-handed Australian tennis player. She and Joyce Wood won the girls' doubles competition at the Australian Championships (now the Australian Open) in 1938, 1939 and 1940. Biography ...

(1921–2014), Australian tennis player *

Alison Calder Alison Calder (born 21 December 1969 in London) is a Canadian poet, literary critic and educator. Biography Calder was born in London, England on 21 December 1969 and grew up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. She studied at the University of S ...

(born 1969), Canadian poet and literary critic *

Alison Chapman-Andrews Alison Chapman-Andrews (born Alison Armstrong, 1942) is a Barbadian painter of English birth. She is one of two women with the same first name to be born the UK the other is Alison Hinds. A native of Hertford, Chapman-Andrews studied from 1963 to 1 ...

(born 1942), English-Barbadian painter and artist * Alison H. Clarkson (born 1955), American politician *

Alison DiLaurentis Alison Lauren DiLaurentis is a fictional character in the ''Pretty Little Liars'' book series, its television adaptation, and the spin-off series '' Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists''. The character was created by American author Sara She ...

, fictional character from TV show''Pretty Little Liars'' *

Alison Doody Alison Doody (born March 9, 1966) is an Irish actress and model. After making her feature film debut as Bond girl Jenny Flex in ''A View to a Kill'' (1985), she went on to play Elsa Schneider in '' Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade'' (1989). O ...

(born 1966), Irish actress and model *

Alison Fuller Alison Fuller is a British educational researcher and Professor of Vocational Education and Work at the Institute of Education of the University College London and, where she also serves as Pro-Director for Research and Development. She is a le ...

, British educational researcher *

Alison Goldfrapp Alison Elizabeth Margaret Goldfrapp (born 13 May 1966) is an English musician and record producer, known as the vocalist of English electronic music duo Goldfrapp. Early life Goldfrapp was born on 13 May 1966, in Enfield, London, the youngest o ...

(born 1966), English musician and record producer *

Allison Gollust Allison Gollust is an American media executive. She worked as an executive vice president and the chief marketing officer of CNN Worldwide until February 2022. Gollust was director of communications for Andrew Cuomo from October 2012 to March 2013 ...

, American media executive *

Alison Hammond Alison Hammond (born 5 February 1975) is an English television personality and actress. She competed in the third series of the reality show '' Big Brother'' in 2002, in which she was the second housemate to be evicted. She has since become a ...

(born 1975), English television personality *

Alison Hewson Alison Hewson (née Stewart; born 23 March 1961) is an Irish activist and businesswoman. She is the wife of singer and musician Paul Hewson, known as Bono, from the rock group U2. Raised in Raheny, she met her future husband at age 12 at Mou ...

(born 1961), Irish businesswoman and wife of

Bono Paul David Hewson (born 10 May 1960), known by his stage name Bono (), is an Irish singer-songwriter, activist, and philanthropist. He is the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the rock band U2. Born and raised in Dublin, he attended M ...

Alison Hinds Alison Amanda Hinds (born 1 June 1970) is a British-born Bajan soca artist based in Barbados. She is one of the most popular soca singers in the world. Biography Alison Hinds was born in London on 1 June 1970 and grew up in Plaistow.Batey, A ...

(born 1970), English-Barbadian Soca Musician *

Allison Holker Allison Renae Holker (born February 6, 1988) is an American dancer, choreographer, and actress. Holker has worked in film, television, and concert tours. She is known for appearances on the television dance competition ''So You Think You Can Dan ...

(born 1988), American dancer *

Alison Horner Alison Jane Horner (born June 1966) is a British businesswoman, and, until it was sold in 2020, was the CEO of the Asian arm of the Tesco supermarket chain. Early life Alison Jane Horner was born in June 1966. She earned a bachelor's degree in ...

(born 1966), British businesswoman * Alison Howie (born 1991), Scottish field hockey player *

Alison Humby Alison Humby (born 7 December 1972) is a retired English badminton player. Humby is a three time English junior champion, two-time medalist at the European junior championships and winner of several international tournaments in Netherlands, Hung ...

(born 1972), English badminton player *

Allison Janney Allison Brooks Janney (born November 19, 1959) is an American actress. In a career spanning three decades, she is known for her performances across multiple genres of screen and stage. Janney has received various accolades, including an Academ ...

(born 1959), American actress *

Alison King Alison Rosamund King (born 3 March 1973) is an English actress and model. She is known for her roles as Lynda Block in the Sky One drama series ''Dream Team'' (1998–2003, 2005–2007), and Carla Connor in the long-running ITV soap opera ''Cor ...

(born 1973), English actress * Alison Kinnaird (born 1949), Scottish musician, sculptor and teacher *

Alison Kosik Alison Kosik (born April 28, 1971) is an American journalist and was a CNN business correspondent who covered the New York Stock Exchange. Biography Kosik was born in Miami, Florida, the daughter of Brenda (née Seinfeld) and Gilbert Kosik. She a ...

(born 1971), news journalist for the Cable News Network (CNN) *

Alison Krauss Alison Maria Krauss (born July 23, 1971) is an American bluegrass-country singer and musician. She entered the music industry at an early age, competing in local contests by the age of 8 and recording for the first time at 14. She signed with ...

(born 1971), American musician *

Alison Lohman Alison Marion Lohman (born September 18, 1979) is an American former actress. Born in Palm Springs, California, she began her career with small roles in short and independent films. Lohman headlined the drama film '' White Oleander'' (2002), wh ...

(born 1979), American actress *

Alison Lurie Alison Stewart Lurie (September 3, 1926December 3, 2020) was an American novelist and academic. She won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for her 1984 novel '' Foreign Affairs''. Although better known as a novelist, she wrote many non-fiction boo ...

(1926–2020), American novelist and academic *

Allison Mack Allison Christin Mack (born July 29, 1982) is an American actress. She played Chloe Sullivan on the superhero series ''Smallville'' (2001–2011) and had a recurring role on the comedy series '' Wilfred'' (2012–2014). Mack was a member of N ...

(born 1982), American actress and criminal * Alison Marr, American mathematician * Alison Marsden, American bioengineer *

Alison Mitchell Alison Mitchell (born 17 January) is an English-Australian cricket commentator and sports broadcaster, working for the BBC, Australia's Channel 7 and the Australian Open among others. She was the first woman to become a regular commentator on the ...

, English sports broadcaster *

Alison Moyet Geneviève Alison Jane Ballard ( ; born 18 June 1961) is an English singer noted for her powerful bluesy contralto voice. She came to prominence as half of the duo Yazoo (also known as Yaz), but has since mainly worked as a solo artist. Her ...

(born 1961), English singer and songwriter *

Allison Munn Allison Munn (born October 7, 1974) is an American actress. She played Caroline Dupree in the Fox sitcom ''That '70s Show'', Tina Haven in The WB sitcom '' What I Like About You'', Lauren in The WB/ CW drama ''One Tree Hill'', and Anne Harper o ...

(born 1974), American actress * Alison R.H. Narayan (born 1984), American chemistry professor *

Alison Oliver Alison Oliver (born 3 June 1997) is an Irish actress. She is known for her debut role as Frances in the BBC Three and Hulu miniseries ''Conversations with Friends'' (2022). Early life Oliver was born in Ballintemple, Cork before moving to Blac ...

(born 1997), Irish actress * Alison Parker (1991–2015), American news reporter, murdered on television * Alison Blomfield Pickmere (1908–1971), New Zealand secretary of the interior *

Alison Pill Alison Pill (born November 27, 1985) is a Canadian actress. A former child actress, Pill began her career at age 12, appearing in numerous films and television series. She transitioned to adult roles and her breakthrough came with the television ...

(born 1985), Canadian actress * Allison Pohlman (born 1977), American collegiate basketball player and coach *

Alison Redford Alison Merrilla Redford (born March 7, 1965) is a Canadian lawyer and former politician. She was the 14th premier of Alberta, having served in this capacity from October 7, 2011, to March 23, 2014. Redford was born in Kitimat, British Columbia ...

(born 1965), Canadian lawyer and politician * Alison Robins (1920–2017), worked at Bletchley Park "Y-Service" * Allison Sansom (born 1994), Thai model *

Alison Saunders Dame Alison Margaret Saunders, ( Brown; born 14 February 1961) is a British barrister and a former Director of Public Prosecutions. She was the first lawyer from within the Crown Prosecution Service and the second woman to hold the appointment. ...

(born 1961), former Director of Public Prosecutions (England and Wales) *

Allison Scagliotti Allison Scagliotti (; born September 21, 1990) is an American actress, musician and director, best known for her roles in '' Drake & Josh'', '' Warehouse 13'', and ''Stitchers''. Early life Scagliotti's great-grandparents immigrated to the United ...

(born 1990), American actress *

Alison Schumacher Alison Schumacher (born 22 November 2002) is a Canadian figure skater who competes in women's singles. She is the 2020 Canadian national silver medallist. She has represented Canada at four ISU Championships, finishing within the top ten at ...

(born 2002), Canadian figure skater *

Alison Sealy-Smith Alison Sealy-Smith (born 1959) is a Barbados-born Canadian actress best known for her role as Storm in various Marvel animated TV series. Early life and education Sealy-Smith was born in Bridgetown, Barbados and raised in Toronto. She attended ...

(born 1959), Barbadian actress * Alison Shrubsole (1925–2002), British educationist and university administrator *

Alison Steadman Alison Steadman (born 26 August 1946) is an English actress. She received the 1991 National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actress for the Mike Leigh film '' Life Is Sweet'' and the 1993 Olivier Award for Best Actress for her role as Ma ...

(born 1946), English actress *

Alison Sudol Alison Sudol (born December 23, 1984) is an American actress, singer, songwriter and music video director. She is known as the singer A Fine Frenzy, and for her role as Queenie Goldstein in ''Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'' (2016), as ...

(born 1984), American musician and actress *

Alison Sweeney Alison Ann Sweeney (born September 19, 1976) is an American actress, reality show host, director and author. Sweeney is best known for her portrayal of Samantha "Sami" Brady on the NBC soap opera ''Days of Our Lives'', a role she played under co ...

(born 1976), American actress * Allison Tant (born 1961), American politician * Alison Joan Tierney

CBE The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the civil service. It was established o ...

(born 1948) British nursing theorist, nurse researcher *

Alison Weir Alison Weir ( Matthews; born 1951) is a British author and public historian. She primarily writes about the history of English royal women and families, in the form of biographies that explore their historical setting. She has also written nu ...

(born 1951), English author and historian * Allison Williams (born 1988), American actress, comedian, and singer *

Alison Williamson Alison Jane Williamson Order of the British Empire, MBE (born 3 November 1971) is a retired British people, British archery, archer who represented Great Britain at the Summer Olympics, Great Britain at six consecutive Olympic Games from 1992 t ...

(born 1971), English archer

Male

* Allison Deforest Pickett (1900-1991), Canadian entomologist * Alisson Becker (born 1992), commonly known as Alisson, Brazilian footballer * Allison Brooks (1917–2006), American Air Force aviator *

Allison Burnett Allison Burnett (born December 16, 1958) is an American screenwriter, film director, and novelist. Early life and education Allison Burnett was born in Ithaca, New York. He graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois before a ...

(born 1958), American screenwriter * Alison Cerutti (born 1985), Brazilian beach volleyball player *

Allison Danzig Allison "Al" Danzig (February 27, 1898 – January, 27 1987) was an American sportswriter who specialized in writing about tennis, but also covered college football, squash, many Olympic Games, and rowing. Danzig was the only American sportswriter ...

(1898–1987), American sports journalist *

Alison dos Santos Alison Brendom Alves dos Santos (born 3 June 2000) is a Brazilian athlete specialising in the 400 metres hurdles. He is a bronze medalist at the 2020 Olympic Games, the 2022 World Champion and the third fastest athlete in the history of the e ...

(born 2000), Brazilian athlete * Allison G. Catheron (1878-1950), Canadian-born American politician * Alison Lopes Ferreira (born 1993), commonly known as Alison, Brazilian footballer *

Allison Blakely Allison Blakely is an academic historian. Life He graduated from the University of Oregon, and from the University of California, Berkeley with an M.A. and Ph.D. He taught for thirty years at Howard University 1971–2001. He has taught at Bosto ...

(born 1940), American academic historian *

Alison Henrique Mira Alison Henrique Mira (born 1 December 1995, in Santa Cruz do Rio Pardo), simply known as Alison, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a forward for Joinville. Career statistics Honours ;Atlético Goianiense * Campeonato Brasileiro Série ...

(born 1995), commonly known as Alison, Brazilian footballer * Allison Patrício (born 1986), Brazilian footballer * Alison White (1881-1962), English cricketer *

Allison Green Allison R. Green (October 28, 1911 – March 26, 2005) was a Republican Republican can refer to: Political ideology * An advocate of a republic, a type of government that is not a monarchy or dictatorship, and is usually associated with the ru ...

(1911-2005), American politician * Allison Clark Bonnell (1801-1875), commonly known as

A. C. Bonnell Allison Clark Bonnell (March 16, 1801 – August 16, 1875), better known as A. C. Bonnell, was an American politician and businessman. He served as the second mayor of Portland, Oregon, in 1852. Bonnell was born near Chatham, New Jersey, in ...

, American politician and businessman * Allison B. Humphreys (1906-1993), former justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court * Allison Amos Pettengill (1808-1882), American politician and newspaper editor * Allison Tatham-Warter (1917-1992), commonly known as Digby Tatham-Warter, British Army officer *

Allison Dysart Albert Allison Dysart (March 22, 1880 – December 8, 1962) was a New Brunswick politician, lawyer and judge. Dysart was born in Cocagne, New Brunswick and was educated at University of St. Joseph's College in Memramcook, the Ontario Agricul ...

(1880-1962), Canadian politician, lawyer and judge *

Allison Madueke Allison Amaechina Madueke (born 1944) is a retired Nigerian naval officer. He was Chief of Naval Staff from 1993 to 1994, military governor of Anambra State from January 1984 to August 1985, and Imo State military governor from 1985 to 1986. B ...

(born 1944), retired Nigerian naval officer * W. B. Allison Davis (1902-1983), American educator, anthropologist, writer, researcher, and scholar *

Allison DeLong Allison Winston DeLong (December 4, 1940 - April 14, 2014) was a Canadian politician. He served in the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick A legislature is an assembly with the authority to make laws for a political entity such as a coun ...

(1940-2014), Canadian politician

Fiction

* Allison Hargreeves, main character in the comic book/Netflix series ''

The Umbrella Academy ''The Umbrella Academy'' is an American comic book series created and written by Gerard Way and illustrated by Gabriel Bá. The first six-issue limited series, '' The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite,'' was released by Dark Horse Comics betwee ...

'' * Allison Argent, a character in the TV Series ''

Teen Wolf ''Teen Wolf'' is a 1985 American coming-of-age romantic fantasy comedy film directed by Rod Daniel and written by Jeph Loeb and Matthew Weisman. Michael J. Fox stars as the title character, a high school student whose ordinary life is changed ...

Popularity

People named Alison

Female

Male

Fiction

See also

References

External links