Alisha
GirlEnglish, Germanic· “variant of Alicia; noble kind”
- Meaning
- variant of Alicia; noble kind
- Origin
- English, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- uh-LEE-shuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #1,229
- US babies 2025
- 183
- Best rank
- #118 (1987)
- Peak year
- 1989
Meaning and origin of Alisha
Alisha is an English and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “variant of Alicia; noble kind”.
Alisha is a modern English spelling of Alicia, the Latinized form of Alice. Alice comes from the Germanic Adalheidis, meaning "noble kind." Alisha spells the name the way it is commonly pronounced in English, and it became popular in the United States and Britain in the late twentieth century. It is sometimes also linked to Sanskrit names that sound similar, though these are separate. Alisha has a gentle, friendly sound and is easy to spell. Ali and Lisha are possible nicknames.
Popularity over time
Alisha first appears in US Social Security records in 1948. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 55 different years, starting in 1964. Its best national rank was #118 in 1987, and the most babies received it in 1989, when 2,437 were named Alisha. In 2025, 183 babies were named Alisha, and it ranked #1,229 nationally. That is 39% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #151 in 1980, #401 in 2000, #782 in 2010, and #1,229 in 2025. Of the 56,996 US girls named Alisha since records began, 38% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 14,510 babies. Since 2010, 4,228 more have been named Alisha.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Britney, Jaclyn, Meagan, Sasha, and Rachael.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Alisha ranked highest in Florida, Indiana, and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | #462 | 40 |
| Indiana | #724 | 8 |
| New York | #790 | 20 |
| New Jersey | #850 | 8 |
| Virginia | #1044 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Alisha is usually pronounced uh-LEE-shuh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with A and ends in “-ha”.
Middle names for Alisha
A few middle names that flow with Alisha: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Alisha
Similar names
Lists that include Alisha
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alisha mean?
Alisha is an English and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “variant of Alicia; noble kind”.
What is the origin of the name Alisha?
Alisha has English and Germanic roots. Alisha is a modern English spelling of Alicia, the Latinized form of Alice.
Is Alisha a popular name?
Not especially. Alisha ranked #1,229 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Alisha a boy or girl name?
Alisha is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Alisha?
Alisha is usually pronounced uh-LEE-shuh. 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