Alison
Alison began as a medieval French and English diminutive of Alice — essentially "little Alice." It was common in medieval Scotland and northern England, then nearly died out. The name was revived in the early 20th century and spread widely. There is some debate about whether it should be spelled Alison (one L) or Allison (two Ls); both are accepted, but Allison has overtaken Alison in the US. The name peaked in the US in the 1980s and 1990s — it was #34 in 1985. It was the name of an entire cohort of women who came of age in the late 1990s and 2000s. Alison Bechdel, the cartoonist who created the "Bechdel Test" for films, gave the name a feminist literary association. Alison Krauss brought it into bluegrass music. What I find interesting about Alison is how ordinary it sounds — and I mean that as a compliment. It is a name that does not announce itself. The "son" ending gives it a slightly masculine echo (shared with Madison and Addison), which may explain its durability. It sounds capable and unpretentious. Alison is a female name of French / Germanic origin that means "Noble (diminutive of Alice)". Capable, friendly, and understated. The name does not show off. Alisons are often the people quietly making things work. US peaked #34 in 1985. Still in top 500. Well-known people named Alison include Alison Bechdel (cartoonist), Alison Krauss (musician), Alison Brie (actress), Alison Pill (actress). Common variations and related forms of Alison include Allison (alternative spelling), Allyson (modern), Alisoun (medieval), Alyson (modern).