Last Name Alice

The last name "Alice" is believed to be of English origin and derived from the medieval female given name "Alicia." This name ultimately comes from the Germanic name Adalheid, which means "noble" or "of noble kin." Over time, the name evolved into various forms, including Alice, and became a commonly used surname in England.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Alice

The meaning and origin of the last name Alice

The surname Alice is of Old French origin, derived from the female given name Alice. It is ultimately of Germanic origin, from the name Adalheidis, meaning "noble" and "kind." The name Alice was introduced to England by the Normans in the 11th century and became popular due to the fame of the daughter of King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, Princess Alice. Over time, the name Alice became a common surname in England as a patronymic form, meaning "son of Alice." Today, the surname Alice is relatively rare and is most commonly found in English-speaking countries with a history of Norman influence, such as England and France. Its noble meaning reflects the high esteem and respect given to individuals bearing this surname.

Geographical distribution of the last name Alice

The last name "Alice" is fairly rare and is primarily found in English-speaking countries, with the majority of individuals bearing this surname residing in the United States. There are also noticeable populations of individuals with the last name Alice in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. In addition to these countries, smaller communities of individuals with the surname Alice can be found in countries with historical ties to the British Empire, such as India, South Africa, and New Zealand. Due to its origins in the English language, the last name Alice is less common in non-English speaking countries. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Alice is concentrated in English-speaking regions, reflecting its Anglo-Saxon roots and historical connections to the British Empire.

Variants and spellings of the last name Alice

The last name Alice can have a few variations and spellings, such as Alis, Alise, Alisee, Alyce, Alys, Alce, and Alisse. These variations may be influenced by regional dialects, cultural backgrounds, or historical origins. The name Alice is of Old French and Germanic origin, derived from the name Adelais, which means "noble" or "of a noble kind." Over time, different spellings and adaptations have emerged, reflecting the evolution of the language and the ways in which names are passed down through generations. Regardless of the spelling or variation, the name Alice remains a classic and timeless choice for families looking for a name with a sense of tradition and elegance.

Famous people with the last name Alice

There are no famous people with the last name Alice. "Alice" is typically a first name and not commonly used as a last name. However, there are many famous individuals with the first name Alice, such as Alice Walker, an American author and activist known for her novel "The Color Purple" which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Another notable figure is Alice Paul, an American suffragist and women's rights activist who played a crucial role in the passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. Additionally, Alice Cooper is a famous rock musician known for his elaborate stage shows and hit songs such as "School's Out" and "No More Mr. Nice Guy." These individuals have left a lasting impact in their respective fields and continue to inspire others with their work.

Genealogical research on the last name Alice

The surname Alice is of English origin and is derived from the medieval feminine given name "Aalis," which itself comes from the Old French name "Adelais" or "Adalheidis." The name can be traced back to the medieval period and is thought to have originated in northern France before being brought to England by the Normans after the Conquest of 1066. The surname Alice has various spelling variations, including Alis, Allis, and Elice. In England, the name became fairly widespread and was often used as a personal name rather than a hereditary surname. Today, individuals with the surname Alice can be found across the United Kingdom and in various English-speaking countries around the world. Tracing the genealogy of the Alice surname could lead to uncovering connections to Norman, French, and English ancestry.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Alice"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 11 April 2025

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