ALLISON
Allison
Origin and Meaning: Allison is a common British surname of English and Scottish origin. It is derived from the medieval given name "Alice," which itself comes from the Old French name "Aalis," meaning noble or exalted.
Historical Significance: The surname Allison dates back to medieval England and Scotland, where it first appeared as a patronymic surname, meaning "son of Alice." The name became popular due to the fame of Queen Adeliza (or Adela) of Normandy, the wife of King Henry I of England. It spread throughout the British Isles and gained prominence among various noble families.
Variants and Spellings: Variants of the name include Alison, Alyson, Alisson, and other regional variations. Spellings of surnames were not standardized until recent centuries, leading to different variations of Allison across different regions and historical records.
Distribution and Popularity: The surname Allison is common in England, Scotland, and other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. It is ranked among the top surnames in these countries and has a rich history of being associated with notable individuals in various fields.
Famous Bearers:
- Sir George Allison: A prominent Scottish football coach and manager in the mid-20th century.
- Mose Allison: An influential American jazz pianist and songwriter.
- Peggy Allison: An English author known for her historical fiction novels.
Coat of Arms: The Allison family coat of arms typically features heraldic symbols such as lions, crosses, and shields, signifying strength, faith, and protection. These symbols are often granted based on the family's historical achievements and status.
Modern-Day Legacy: The surname Allison continues to be well-regarded and widely used in various English-speaking countries. Many families take pride in their Allison heritage, honoring the name's history and meaning through family reunions, genealogy projects, and cultural events.
References:
- Reaney, P.H., & Wilson, R.M. (2011). A Dictionary of British Surnames.
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland.
- Scott-Giles, C.W. (1956). The Romance of Heraldry.
There are approximately 17,631 people named Allison in the UK. That makes it the 499th most common surname in Britain. Around 271 in a million people in Britain are named Allison.
Surname type: From given name or forename
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- William
Female
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Jean
- Julie
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.