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Home › Baby Names Directory › Allison

Allison

♂ Boy

Pronounced AL-ih-sun /ˈæl.ɪ.sən/High

Meaning: Variously a diminutive of the Germanic Adelais ('noble kind') and 'son of Ellis (Elias)'; overwhelmingly a girls' name today, recorded here for a boy; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Noble kind; son of Ellis: Allison is Germanic/English. Crisp, classic, and warm. Strongly a girls' name — here a boy.
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Origin LowGermanic, English
MeaningVariously a diminutive of the Germanic Adelais ('noble kind') and 'son of Ellis (Elias)'; overwhelmingly a girls' name today, recorded here for a boy; routes layered
U.S. rank (2025)#10756 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1917
Total births (all-time)≈ 3,825

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 191718802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Allison is variously a diminutive of the Germanic Adelais ('noble kind') and 'son of Ellis (Elias)' (routes layered). Overwhelmingly a girls' name today, it is recorded here for a boy — which we flag honestly (slug distinguished; said 'AL-ih-sun').

In the U.S. it is now almost entirely a girls' name; this boys' use (and its surname origin) is unusual. Rare for a boy, noble-kind at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Allison is variously 'noble kind' (from the Germanic Adelais) and 'son of Ellis' — overwhelmingly a girls' name today, though it began as a boys'/surname name; here it is recorded for a boy, which we note (said 'AL-ih-sun').
Overall data confidence 30%
References — Allison — chiefly female; routes layered

Variations

AllysonAlisonEllison

Nicknames

Al

Famous Bearers

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If you like Allison…

Ellison— a kin -son name
Emerson— a fellow -son surname boys' name
Addison— a sound-neighbor -son surname name
Harrison— a companion -son surname boys' name

Explore names like Allison

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Allison mean?

Allison is variously 'noble kind' (Germanic) and 'son of Ellis'. It is overwhelmingly a girls' name today; here it is recorded for a boy.

How do you pronounce Allison?

It's said AL-ih-sun /ael..sn/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Allison a boy or girl name?

Allison is overwhelmingly a girls' name today; this page covers its rare use (and surname origin) as a boy's name.

How popular is Allison?

Allison is common for girls but extremely rare for boys.

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