Alicia
Alicia is the Spanish form of Alice, derived from the same Germanic root "adal" (noble). The Spanish added their characteristic soft "c" — pronounced "th" in Castilian Spanish, "s" in Latin American Spanish — which gives the name a different sound from its English cousin. Where Alice is crisp and slightly archaic, Alicia is warmer and more flowing. The name crossed into English-speaking use in the mid-20th century. Alicia entered the US top 100 in 1968 and stayed for nearly 40 years, peaking at #37 in 1984. The most famous modern bearer is Alicia Keys, born Alicia Cook, whose stage name emphasizes the musical resonance of "keys" hidden in her surname. Alicia Silverstone and Alicia Vikander have kept the name visible. I find Alicia a touch softer than Alice — the extra syllable makes it more forgiving, less austere. But it also has less of Alice's curious edge. The choice between them is a choice between literary precision and Latin warmth, and I can see why both coexist. Alicia is a female name of Spanish / Latin origin that means "Noble (Spanish form of Alice)". Warm, expressive, and graceful. The name flows. Alicias tend to be at ease in many settings. US top 100 from 1968-2005. Now around #400. Well-known people named Alicia include Alicia Keys (musician), Alicia Silverstone (actress), Alicia Vikander (actress), Alicia Markova (ballerina). Common variations and related forms of Alicia include Alice (English), Alycia (modern), Alisha (modern spelling), Alícia (Catalan).