NomOrigine Background

Origin and meaning of the name Alicia

What is the origin of the name Alicia?

Alicia is a female given name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman name Aloysius, which comes from the Greek "αλοησιος" (Aloëisios). The feminine form Aloesia or Aloysia evolved into Alicia in several Romance languages. It is also associated with the diminutive of Albert, Adalbero, and other Germanic names containing "alf" or "alp," meaning "noble" or "elf." The name Alicia has been popular in various cultures throughout history, particularly in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and English-speaking countries.

Learn more about the origin of the name Alicia

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Alicia

Alicia is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman name 'Aelia', which was originally a surname meaning 'of the noble family'. The name was often used as an honorific prefix by emperors for their relatives. In Christian contexts, the name became associated with Saint Alycia or Aelia, a legendary virgin martyr in medieval hagiography. The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages and has remained common throughout Europe, especially in Spanish-speaking countries where it is among the most popular names for girls. In England, it was revived in the 19th century by the poet Alfred Tennyson, who used it as a character's name in his poem 'Idyls of the King'. Today, Alicia continues to be a beloved and traditional name worldwide, symbolizing nobility, virtue, and strength.

Character traits associated with the name Alicia

Alicia is often characterized by a blend of intelligence, empathy, and determination. Her analytical mind allows her to approach problems systematically, making her a reliable and thoughtful individual. Emotional intelligence plays a significant role in her interactions with others, as she demonstrates a strong ability to understand and respond to the feelings of those around her. Alicia's determination is evident in her persistence to achieve her goals, combined with her resilience in the face of challenges. Overall, her balanced character traits make Alicia an admirable and respected figure among peers.

Popularity of the name Alicia

Alicia is a popular feminine name of Latin origin, particularly prevalent in English-speaking countries. It derives from Adalheidis, a combination of the Germanic elements 'adal' meaning noble and 'heide' meaning kind or type. The name gained prominence during the Middle Ages as a variation of Alice. In contemporary times, Alicia has consistently ranked among the top 100 names for girls in the United States since the 1940s, peaking at number 23 in the year 1946. Similarly, it has been a frequently chosen name in countries like England and Wales, Spain, Canada, and Australia. The popularity of Alicia can be attributed to its pleasing sound, easy pronunciation, and association with qualities such as strength, kindness, and nobility.

Famous people with the name Alicia

Alicia Keys, an American singer-songwriter and pianist, is one of the most renowned figures bearing the first name Alicia. Born in New York City in 1981, she has sold over 30 million albums worldwide and won numerous awards, including fifteen Grammy Awards. Her debut album, "Songs in A Minor" (2001), was a critical and commercial success, featuring hits such as "Fallin'" and "A Woman's Worth." Alicia Keys is also known for her activism, advocating for various social causes, including gender equality, HIV/AIDS awareness, and women's empowerment. Another famous individual named Alicia is Alicia Vikander, a Swedish actress who has starred in films like "The Danish Girl," for which she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2016. Both women have made significant contributions to their respective fields and are celebrated as influential figures with the first name Alicia.

Variations of the name Alicia

Alicia is a popular feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Greek name "Adalheidis" or "Adalhaidis", which means "noble nature" or "kind and noble." Variations of the name Alicia include Alessia (Italian), Aloysia (German), Alix (French), Aaliyah (Arabic, meaning "exalted one"), Alice (English), Elisabeth (German), Elise (French), and Lisette (French). These variations share a similar meaning but may have slight differences in pronunciation and cultural context. The name Alicia has been a favorite for parents seeking a name with a strong, classic appeal and positive connotations of nobility and kindness.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 29 July 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

Ali (First name)

forenames > ali

The given name Ali is of Arabic origin. It is a common name among Muslims and is the short form of several Arabic names that begin with the letter 'Ali', such as Muhammad Ali (mean...

Ali abdullah (First name)

forenames > ali-abdullah

The name "Ali" is of Arabic origin, meaning "high" or "lofty." "Abdullah" is also of Arabic origin, meaning "servant of Allah" or "worshiper of Allah."

Ali afjal (First name)

forenames > ali-afjal

The first name Ali Afjal is of Arabic origin. The name Ali means "exalted" or "noble", and Afjal means "greater" or "superior".

Ali aqdas (First name)

forenames > ali-aqdas

The name Ali Aqdas is of Arabic origin. "Ali" is a common Arabic name with roots in Islamic history, meaning "high" or "elevated". "Aqdas" is also an Arabic name meaning "most holy...

Ali asim (First name)

forenames > ali-asim

The name Ali Asim is of Arabic origin. "Ali" is a common Arabic name meaning "noble" or "sublime," while "Asim" also has Arabic roots and means "protector" or "defender."

Ali back (First name)

forenames > ali-back

The name Ali originates from Arabic and is a common name in Islamic cultures. It is derived from the Arabic word 'Ali', meaning "elevated" or "lofty". Ali is also the name of a pro...

Ali beshere (First name)

forenames > ali-beshere

The name Ali Beshere is of Arabic origin. Ali is a common Arabic name meaning "noble" or "exalted," while Beshere is also an Arabic name meaning "good tidings" or "glad news."

Ali bhai ka (First name)

forenames > ali-bhai-ka

The name "Ali Bhai ka" is of Arabic origin. The name "Ali" means "noble" or "high" in Arabic, and "Bhai" is a term of respect and affection in several South Asian languages. The co...

Ali chind (First name)

forenames > ali-chind

The first name Ali Chind originated from Arabic and Persian languages. "Ali" is a common Arabic name meaning "exalted" or "lofty," while "Chind" is of Persian origin and the specif...

Ali eklas (First name)

forenames > ali-eklas

The first name Ali has Arabic origins, derived from the Arabic root word "Ali" meaning high, exalted, noble. Eklas does not have a widely recognized origin and may not be of a spec...

Ali emam (First name)

forenames > ali-emam

The first name Ali Emam is of Arabic origin. The name Ali means "noble" or "exalted" in Arabic, and Emam means "leader" or "guide." Ali Emam is a common name in Arabic-speaking cou...

Ali farah (First name)

forenames > ali-farah

The first name Ali Farah originates from Arabic. "Ali" is a common Arabic name meaning "high" or "lofty," and "Farah" means "joy" or "happiness."

Ali faraz (First name)

forenames > ali-faraz

The name Ali Faraz is of Arabic origin. The name Ali is derived from the Arabic name "Ali", which means "high" or "sublime". The name Faraz is also of Arabic origin and means "elev...

Ali haji (First name)

forenames > ali-haji

The name Ali Haji has Arabic origins. "Ali" is a common Arabic name that means "noble" or "highly praised". "Haji" also has Arabic roots, specifically referring to someone who has ...

Ali hammad (First name)

forenames > ali-hammad

The name Ali Hammad is of Arabic origin. "Ali" is a common Arabic name which means "high" or "exalted", while "Hammad" means "praiser" or "one who praises".