Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Alice
GirlGermanic, French· “noble”
- Meaning
- noble
- Origin
- Germanic, French
- Pronunciation
- A-lihs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #65
- US babies 2025
- 3,547
- Best rank
- #8 (1880)
- Peak year
- 1921
Meaning and origin of Alice
Alice is a Germanic and French name that means “noble”.
Alice comes from the Old French Aalis, a short form of Adelais, the French version of the Germanic Adalheidis, meaning "noble type" or "nobility". The Normans brought the name to England, where it was common in the Middle Ages. It gained enduring literary fame through Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, published in 1865, and its sequel Through the Looking-Glass. Princess Alice, a daughter of Queen Victoria, is one of several royal bearers. Alice is simple, gentle and timeless, and it has returned to favor with parents who like literary vintage names. Allie and Ali are casual short forms.
Popularity over time
Alice has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #8 in 1880, and the most babies received it in 1921, when 11,955 were named Alice. In 2025, 3,547 babies were named Alice, and it ranked #65 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #15 in 1920, #57 in 1950, #328 in 1980, #422 in 2000, #173 in 2010, and #65 in 2025. Of the 588,147 US girls named Alice since records began, 19% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 85,866 babies. Since 2010, 51,379 more have been named Alice.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Marjorie, Marie, Irene, Lillian, and Evelyn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Alice ranked highest in Maine, District of Columbia, and Idaho.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | #31 | 21 |
| District of Columbia | #34 | 15 |
| Idaho | #38 | 36 |
| Alaska | #38 | 11 |
| Vermont | #38 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Alice is usually pronounced A-lihs, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with A and ends in “-ce”.
Middle names for Alice
A few middle names that flow with Alice: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Alice
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Lists that include Alice
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alice mean?
Alice is a Germanic and French name that means “noble”.
What is the origin of the name Alice?
Alice has Germanic and French roots. Alice comes from the Old French Aalis, a short form of Adelais, the French version of the Germanic Adalheidis, meaning "noble type" or "nobility".
Is Alice a popular name?
Yes. Alice ranked #65 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Alice a boy or girl name?
Alice is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Alice?
Alice is usually pronounced A-lihs. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings