Alice: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Alice mean and stand for as a girl's name?

Meaning:

Germanic: Noble and exalted; of good cheer
French: Of noble kin
Greek: Truthful

Gender: Female

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Alice is pronounced a-lis

The name Alice has medieval roots and is derived from the Old French name Aalis, itself a short form of Adelais, which ultimately comes from the Germanic name Adalheidis, meaning "noble" or "of noble kind." Its elegance and simplicity have made Alice a perennial favorite over the centuries, especially after its prominence in literature and royal history.

Girl name variations

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Alice mean and stand for as a boy's name?

Meaning:

Germanic: Noble and exalted; of good cheer
French: Of noble birth
Greek: Truthful

Gender: Male

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Alice is pronounced al-iss

The name Alice for boys has been derived from the Old French name Aalis, which itself is a short form of Adelais—a variant of Adelaide. Originating from the Germanic words adal, meaning noble, and heid, meaning kind or type, Alice signifies someone of noble and exalted lineage. Although traditionally used as a female name, it has historical precedence as a male name in certain cultures.

Family name origins & meanings

French Canadian: altered form of Alix.

Hispanic: variant of Alicea. For the etymology, compare English Allis.

Famous people with this first name

Alice Cooper

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Tina Fey

Alice in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Alice Liddell from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - A young girl who falls into a fantastical world of peculiar creatures and peculiar events.
Alice Hyatt from Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore - A widow who navigates life as a single mother working as a waitress.
Alice Cullen from Twilight - A vampire with precognitive abilities who is part of the Cullen family.
Alice Pieszecki from The L Word - A bisexual journalist and radio host with a strong social circle.
Alice Morgan from Luther - A brilliant but psychopathic murder suspect who forms a complicated relationship with Detective John Luther.

Popularity of the Name Alice

According to Social Security Administration data, Alice has experienced a resurgence in popularity over the past few years. As of 2023, it ranked within the top 100 names in the United States, demonstrating its timeless appeal. Historically, the name Alice has been associated with nobility and literature. One of the most famous bearers of the name is Alice Liddell, who inspired Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

In modern times, notable people named Alice include actress Alice Eve. There are also various notable writers named Alice, including Alice Munro, Alice Walker, Alice Sebold, Alice Hoffman, Alice McDermott, Alice Adams, and Alice Elliott Dark. Though not often used as an unisex name, Alice Cooper is a prominent male figure with the name. Fictional characters named Alice appear in various media such as Alice in Wonderland, the TV series The Brady Bunch, and the video game series Resident Evil. Alice's classic charm continues to make it a beloved choice for parents today.