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Name meaning & originAlice

/AL-iss/

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Alice is a Germanic girl's name pronounced /AL-iss/. The name Alice carries the noble and graceful meaning of 'of noble kin'.

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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.

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