Name meaning & originAlice
/AL-iss/
Alice is a Germanic girl's name pronounced /AL-iss/. The name Alice carries the noble and graceful meaning of 'of noble kin'.
Share this name
Meaning of Alice
The name Alice carries the noble and graceful meaning of 'of noble kin'.
Alice is derived from the Old French name Aalis, a short form of Adelais, which itself comes from the Germanic name Adalheidis. The components 'adal' (noble) and 'heid' (type or sort) combine to signify a person of high status or noble character. It became highly popular in France and England during the 12th century, later experiencing a massive revival in the 19th century.
- Origin
- Germanic
- Pronunciation
- /AL-iss/
Cultural background
Alice is a classic name that remains a staple in many English and French-speaking countries, often associated with a sense of curiosity and timeless elegance.
Variations & nicknames
- Alicia
- Alix
- Alison
- Alyce
- Allie
- Elsa
Famous people named Alice
Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Alice Walker
Pulitzer Prize-winning author of 'The Color Purple'
Literature · 20th–21st Century
Alice Cooper
Influential American rock singer and songwriter
Music · 20th–21st Century
Alice Paul
Main leader and strategist of the campaign for the 19th Amendment
Politics · Early 20th Century
Alice in Wonderland
Protagonist of Lewis Carroll's famous children's novel
Literature · 19th Century
Alice Roosevelt Longworth
Socialite and eldest child of President Theodore Roosevelt
Politics · 20th Century
Frequently asked about Alice
- What is the origin of the name Alice?
- Alice has Germanic roots, evolving from the name Adalheidis through the Old French variation Aalis.
- Is Alice a popular name today?
- Yes, Alice has consistently remained a popular choice in the United Kingdom, Europe, and the United States for over a century.
- What are common nicknames for Alice?
- Common nicknames include Allie, Ali, and sometimes Lissie.
Love Alice? Get more names like it
We'll email you 5 fresh Germanic names each week — free, no spam.
By signing up you agree to get these name emails. We use your email only for them; unsubscribe any time from privacy requests. See our privacy policy. 18+ only.
Compare Alice with…
Side-by-side meaning, sound and popularity.
Keep browsing
More Germanic names
See all Germanic names- Ilg/ILK/
Ilg is a traditional Germanic name signifying 'joy' or 'bright'.
- Zelda/ZEL-dah/
A bold name meaning gray fighting maid, symbolizing a brave and playful warrior spirit.
- William/WIL-yum/
This name signifies a strong-willed protector and a courageous guardian.
- Null/NUL/
The name is derived from the archaic German word for 'zero' or 'none', representing a sense of void or neutrality.
- Robert/RAH-bert/
The name Robert signifies one who is bright with fame or shining with glory.
- Frieda/FREE-dah/
A classic and beloved name that signifies a woman of peace and tranquility.
- Amelia/uh-MEE-lee-uh/
This classic name signifies a person who is industrious and hardworking.
- Henry/HEN-ree/
The name Henry translates to 'ruler of the household' or 'estate ruler'.