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Name meaning & originAlys

/AL-iss/

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Alys is a Welsh girl's name pronounced /AL-iss/. The traditional Welsh spelling of Alice, representing a person of noble and kind character.

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Meaning of Alys

The traditional Welsh spelling of Alice, representing a person of noble and kind character.

Alys is the Middle Welsh form of Alice, derived from the Old French name Alis, which stems from the Germanic Adalheidis. It signifies 'noble type' or 'of noble birth,' evolving through linguistic shifts from the elements 'adal' (noble) and 'heid' (kind or sort).

Origin
Welsh
Pronunciation
/AL-iss/

Cultural background

The name remains a perennially popular choice in Wales, often favored by parents seeking a traditional Welsh orthography for a classic European name. It is frequently used to maintain a distinct Celtic identity within modern naming conventions.

Variations & nicknames

  • Alice
  • Alis
  • Alysse
  • Ali
  • Allys
  • Alisun

Famous people named Alys

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Alys Conran

    Award-winning Welsh novelist and author of 'Pigeon'

    Literature · 2010s-present

  • Alys Thomas

    Commonwealth Gold medalist and Olympic butterfly swimmer

    Sport · 2010s-present

  • Alys Williams

    Welsh singer known for her appearances on 'The Voice UK'

    Music · 2013-present

  • Alys Pearsall Smith

    Quaker relief organizer and the first wife of Bertrand Russell

    Social Activism · 1867–1951

  • Alys Robi

    Canadian singer and actress who was a major star during the WWII era

    Music · 1940s-1950s

Frequently asked about Alys

What does Alys mean?
Alys is the Welsh form of Alice, meaning 'noble,' 'exalted,' or 'of noble character.'
How do you pronounce Alys?
In Welsh, it is typically pronounced 'AL-iss,' sounding very similar to the English name Alice.
Is Alys a boy or girl name?
Alys is traditionally and primarily used as a girl's name.
Is Alys a common name in Wales?
Yes, Alys is a well-established and popular name in Wales, frequently appearing in the top name charts for the region.
How is Alys different from Alice?
Alys is the traditional Welsh spelling, whereas Alice is the standard English and French version; both share the same etymological roots.

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