Alice means “of noble character or rank, of nobility” and originated in the French and German languages.
Meaning and Origin
Alice is a feminine first name that developed from French and German roots. When exploring traditional baby name meanings, the name traces back to Middle English Alice and the Old French forms Alis and Alys, with an older variation spelled Alais. Alaïs represents another Old French form of the name, and historical figures such as Alys of Vexin were also known as Alaïs. These French names served as shortened forms of Adelais.
Adelais itself derives from the Old High German name Adalhaidis, also represented as Adalheid. These ancient Germanic names were formed from Proto-Germanic elements: *aþala- (or *aþalaz), meaning “noble,” and *haidu- (or *haiduz), meaning “appearance; kind” or “character.” Related terms appear in German Adel for “nobility,” edel for “noble,” and the suffix -heit corresponding to “-hood.” Because of this lineage, the name carries the meaning of being of noble character, noble rank, or nobility, and it stands as a doublet of Adelaide. As a female given name from the Germanic languages, Alice has enjoyed popularity in England since the Middle Ages. The name also features in Lewis Carroll’s 1871 work Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There, where Alice and Humpty Dumpty debate whether names must carry meaning.
Pronunciation
Alice is pronounced as AL-iss in standard American English. The first syllable, AL, rhymes with “pal” and “gal.” The second syllable, iss, rhymes with “miss” and “kiss.” The spoken stress falls naturally on the first syllable, creating a crisp and gentle two-syllable rhythm.
Popularity in the US
Alice first appears in official Social Security tallies in 1880, which also stands as its peak rank at number 8. Across the full count since 1880, a total of 588,147 US girls have received the name, demonstrating that it is most often given to girls. The name held number 57 in 1950 with 6,363 babies, then shifted downward to number 328 with 738 babies in 1980. After settling at number 422 with 669 babies in 2000, Alice began a steady climb back up the chart, reaching number 173 with 1,780 babies in 2010. That resurgence continued through the following decade, lifting the name to number 76 with 3,296 babies in 2020 and up to number 65 with 3,547 babies in 2025.
| Year | US rank (girls) | Babies named Alice |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | #57 | 6,363 |
| 1980 | #328 | 738 |
| 2000 | #422 | 669 |
| 2010 | #173 | 1,780 |
| 2020 | #76 | 3,296 |
| 2025 | #65 | 3,547 |
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data (names given to at least 5 babies in a year).
Nicknames
Common short forms of Alice include Allie, Ally, Ali, Lissie, and Elsie. These familiar nicknames provide relaxed, friendly alternatives to the formal name while preserving its soft vocal appeal.
Famous People Named Alice
- Alice Walker: An American author and activist celebrated for writing the novel The Color Purple and earning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
- Alice Paul: An American suffragist and activist who organized major national campaigns leading to the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment.
- Alice Munro: A Canadian author celebrated for her mastery of contemporary short fiction who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Middle and Sibling Names
Brother names that pair well with Alice include Jack, Henry, Thomas, and William.
Sister and middle names that complement Alice include Iris, Clara, Rose, Grace, and Mae.
FAQ
Which ancient root words form the foundation of the name Alice?
The name Alice is built from the Proto-Germanic elements *aþala- (or *aþalaz), meaning “noble,” and *haidu- (or *haiduz), meaning “appearance; kind” or “character.” These ancient terms influenced the Old High German forms Adalhaidis and Adalheid before passing into Old French. They also connect to the German words Adel for nobility and edel for noble, giving the full name its association with noble rank and noble character.
How many American girls have received the name Alice in total?
A total of 588,147 baby girls in the United States have received the name Alice since 1880. This substantial total places Alice among the widely bestowed female names in the country across more than a century of naming history.
How does the peak standing of Alice compare with its rank in 2025?
Alice achieved its peak standing at number 8 in 1880, while in 2025 it held the number 65 spot. Although its highest position occurred in 1880, the name maintained strong national presence in 2025 with 3,547 baby girls receiving the name.
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