Alice is the quintessential literary name that manages to be both dainty and indestructible. It balances a Victorian-era sweetness with a no-nonsense strength, arguably making it the “little black dress” of the baby name world. It fits a curious toddler chasing rabbits just as well as it fits a tenured professor or a punk rock legend. There is a sense of grounded intelligence to the name; it is classic without being dusty, and popular without feeling trendy.
At its core, Alice is a name of quiet power. Derived from Old French and Germanic roots, it carries the weight of “nobility” in its meaning. It does not need bells and whistles to stand out. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and its rich history that spans from medieval courts to the pages of Lewis Carroll.
Verdict: Alice is a flawless choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the “vintage revival” charm that modern parents love but remains timeless enough to never go out of style. If you want a name that is recognizable, easy to spell, and carries a legacy of strong female figures, Alice is the gold standard.
Alice Overview
- Meaning: The name Alice means “noble.”
- Gender: It is primarily a female name.
- Origin: The roots of Alice are Proto-Germanic and Old French.
- Pronunciation: Alice is most commonly pronounced as “Al-is.”
- Popularity: The name Alice has historically been very popular. It was 64th for girls born in the United States in 2021.
- Nicknames: Al, Ali, Ally, Else, Elsy, Ice, Lesa, Lisa, Lys.
- Variations: Alaïs, Adalheidis, Adelheide, Alicia, Alisha, Alisa, Alissa, Alyce, Alitha, Alita, Zélie.
- Namesakes: Alice Eve (British actress), Alice Cooper (American musician), Alice Krige (South African actress).
What Does Alice Mean?
The name Alice means “noble” or “of nobility.” While the dictionary definition is straightforward, the etymological journey adds depth to the meaning. It is not just about royal titles; the root word implies a noble nature or spirit.
It stems from the Proto-Germanic elements aþala, meaning “noble,” and haidu, meaning “kind,” “sort,” or “type.” Therefore, naming a child Alice is a wish for them to possess a noble character and a kindly appearance.
Where Does the Name Alice Come From?
Alice is a name with a long, winding history that traverses borders and languages. It is the shortened, Anglicized evolution of the German name Adalheidis.
The evolution of the name followed this path:
- Adalheidis: The original Old High German form.
- Adelais: The shortened Old French version brought to England by the Normans in the 11th century.
- Aalis: A further softening of the Old French name.
- Alice: The Anglicized version that became a standard in Britain.
Alice was a popular name in Europe during the High Middle Ages (12th to 14th centuries). It fell into obscurity for several centuries before experiencing a massive revival in the Victorian era (19th century). This comeback was largely fueled by two factors: the immense popularity of Lewis Carroll’s 1865 novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and the birth of Princess Alice, the daughter of Queen Victoria.
How Popular is the Name Alice?
Alice is a “Vintage Revival” star. It is a rare example of a name that has successfully bridged the gap between historical classic and modern favorite. In the early 1900s, Alice was consistently a Top 10 name in the United States, representing the quintessential girl next door.
Like many names from that era, it slowly dipped in popularity, hitting its lowest point in the 1990s and early 2000s when parents viewed it as a “grandma name.” However, the trend cycle has shifted. Parents began seeking names with history and substance, and Alice skyrocketed back up the charts. It returned to the Top 100 in 2014 and has remained a stable favorite since.
It is currently a very popular choice, sitting comfortably in the top tier of girl names without being as overused as names like Olivia or Emma. In 2021, it ranked 64th in the US (1).
How Do I Pronounce Alice?
Alice is pronounced phonetically as AL-iss.
The first syllable rhymes with “pal,” and the second syllable rhymes with “hiss.” It is a crisp, two-syllable name with the emphasis placed on the first syllable. Because the name is well-known globally, pronunciation issues are virtually non-existent.
Is Alice a Boy or Girl Name?
Alice is traditionally and overwhelmingly a female name. While rock legend Alice Cooper is a famous male bearer of the name, it is important to note that this is a stage name (his birth name is Vincent). In modern usage, you will almost exclusively find Alice on birth certificates for girls.
Variations of Alice
Because Alice has such deep roots in European history, almost every language has its own spin on the name. If you love the meaning “noble” but want something more exotic, consider these variations:
- Adelaide: The English modern version of the root name Adalheidis.
- Alaïs: A chic French variation.
- Alicia: The Spanish and Latinate form.
- Alessia: An Italian variation.
- Alix: A medieval French variant that feels very modern and edgy today.
- Alyce: An English spelling variation.
- Adelheide: The Dutch and German form.
- Alita: A Spanish diminutive.
- Zélie: A French name derived from Azélie, often linked to the same root family.
Nicknames for Alice
Alice is short and sweet enough to stand on its own, but affectionate nicknames are inevitable. Here are the most common options, along with a few creative choices for parents who want something unique.
Common Nicknames
- Ali / Ally: The most intuitive short form.
- Al: A snappy, tomboyish option.
- Lissy: A sweet, soft vintage nickname.
Creative & Rare Nicknames
- Ace: By taking the first and last sounds of Alice, you get this cool, spunky moniker.
- Elsie: While a name on its own, it works as a derivative of the sound of Alice.
- Cici: A playful option derived from the soft “ce” sound at the end of the name.
Names Similar to Alice
If you love the vibe of Alice, classic, feminine, and literary, but want to explore other options, these names hit a similar note.
- Charlotte: Like Alice, this is a royal classic that never goes out of style.
- Clara: Sharing the vintage aesthetic, Clara (meaning “clear” or “bright”) pairs beautifully with the “noble” Alice.
- Eleanor: Another strong, intelligent-sounding name with medieval roots.
- Beatrice: A literary match (think Shakespeare and Dante) that shares the vintage charm.
- Lucy: Short, sweet, and ending in an “ee” sound, Lucy has the same playful yet solid energy.
- Matilda: Like Alice, this is a Germanic name introduced to England by the Normans, carrying strength and history.
- Flora: For parents who like the Victorian girl name trend but want something slightly more floral.
- Amelia: A slightly longer, more melodic alternative that is equally popular.
Middle Names for Alice
Because Alice is a two-syllable name with emphasis on the front, it pairs effortlessly with almost any middle name. Here are curated lists to help you find the specific “style” you are looking for.
Classic & Royal Pairings
These names lean into the regal history of Alice, creating a name that sounds distinguished and elegant.
Short & Sweet
Sometimes a punchy, one-syllable middle name provides the best rhythm.
Whimsical & Nature-Inspired
To play up the “Wonderland” vibe, consider these soft, nature-themed options.
Sibling Names for Alice
Creating a sib-set for Alice means looking for names that are traditional but not boring. You generally want to avoid ultra-modern or invented spellings, as they might clash with the grounded history of Alice.
For a Brother
These names share the same timeless, gentlemanly quality as Alice.
- Arthur: A legendary name that sits perfectly alongside Alice.
- Henry: A classic royal name that is currently very stylish.
- Theodore: Like Alice, this vintage name has made a huge comeback.
- Jack: Simple, friendly, and classic.
- Oscar: A literary match (Oscar Wilde) with a bit of edge.
- Finn: A slightly more modern-feeling classic.
- Edward: The ultimate traditional pairing.
For a Sister
These names feel like they belong in the same storybook as Alice.
- Eloise: Shares the playful, storybook energy.
- Clara: A soft, vintage choice that doesn’t overpower Alice.
- Penelope: A Greek classic with great nickname potential.
- Violet: A floral name that was popular in the same eras as Alice.
- Madeline: Another name famous for a beloved children’s book character.
- Audrey: Shares the “noble strength” meaning and vintage glamour.
Famous People Named Alice
Alice has been borne by revolutionaries, royalty, and artists. It is a name associated with women who make history.
- Alice Paul: A crucial American suffragist and women’s rights activist who helped secure the passage of the 19th Amendment.
- Princess Alice: The third child of Queen Victoria, known for her advocacy for women’s causes and nursing.
- Alice Walker: The Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist and poet, best known for The Color Purple.
- Alice Munro: A Canadian short-story writer and Nobel Prize winner in Literature.
- Alice Cooper: The legendary American rock singer (born Vincent Furnier).
- Alice Eve: A British actress known for Star Trek Into Darkness.
- Alice Roosevelt Longworth: The eldest child of Theodore Roosevelt, known for her sharp wit and independent spirit.
Alice in Pop Culture
Fiction has played a massive role in keeping the name Alice relevant for over 150 years.
- Alice: The protagonist of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. She is defined by her curiosity and imagination.
- Alice Cullen: A major character in the Twilight saga, known for her precognitive abilities and pixie-like appearance.
- Alice Nelson: The beloved, witty housekeeper from The Brady Bunch.
- Alice: The central character in the Resident Evil film franchise.
- Alice Quinn: A brilliant but troubled magician in Lev Grossman’s The Magicians series.
FAQs About the Name Alice
Here are the most common questions parents ask when considering this name for their baby.
What Names Mean “Noble” Other Than Alice?
Alice is far from the only name that means “noble.” In fact, girl, boy, and unisex names across numerous cultures mean “noble” or a variation of it. Some names that share this or a similar meaning include Adele, Adelyn, Adir, Alberta, Alvin, Ansel, Elden, Ethel, Keefe, Oberon, Patrick, and Nabila.
What Year Was the Name Alice Least Popular?
After being in the top 20 most popular girls’ names from the late 1800s to the late 1920s, Alice dipped slightly in popularity. Between the late 1920s and the late 1950s, Alice remained in the top 100 most popular names for girls.
After the 1950s, the name steadily declined until 2002 when it hit its least popular position as the 444th most popular name for girls. It has since begun rising again.
Is the Name Alice Considered Old Fashioned?
Alice is considered a “vintage” name rather than purely “old-fashioned.” While it was very popular in the Victorian era and the early 20th century, its recent resurgence in the top 100 list proves it is timeless. It fits into the popular “grandma chic” trend alongside names like Eleanor, Clara, and Hazel.
What Are the Personality Traits Associated with Alice?
Because of its literary connections, the name Alice is often associated with curiosity, intelligence, and imagination. The meaning “noble” also lends it an air of dignity, kindness, and strength. In numerology, Alice is often associated with the number 3, representing creativity and social interaction.
Is Alice a Biblical Name?
No, Alice is not a Biblical name. It does not appear in the Old or New Testaments. Its origins are strictly Germanic and French. However, it was a very common name among saints and royalty in medieval Christian Europe.
How Many Ways Can You Spell Alice?
While the standard spelling “Alice” is by far the most common, parents looking for something unique often use variations. Common alternative spellings include Alyce, Alys (a Welsh variation), Alis, and Alise.
Does Alice Have a Flower Meaning?
While the name Alice itself means “noble,” it has a strong floral association due to the “Sweet Alyssum” flower. The phonetic similarity often links the name to this small, sweet-smelling flowering plant, adding a hidden botanical layer to the name.
