Allison
A surname that usually means “son of Alice” or “son of Allan,” depending on the family line.
The #646 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 5,858 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Allison is generally understood as a patronymic surname. In England it was often formed from the medieval pet name Alison, a feminine name used for Alice, so it could mean “son of Alice” in a metronymic sense. In Scotland and some northern English families, it may also reflect Alan/Allan, giving the sense “son of Allan.” The name ultimately connects either to the Old French and medieval forms of Alice, or to the older Celtic name Alan, with later English spelling smoothing both into Allison.
History
The surname appears in medieval records in several spellings, and by the 19th century it was established in both Britain and North America. Scottish and English usage overlap, which is why the name can have more than one plausible origin depending on the family. Bardsley notes its spread in the United States, where it became fairly common. In Irish contexts, some bearers may also represent families assimilated to the broader British spelling tradition.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
Allison is one of the surnames that can be traced to a woman’s given name, which was less common than the usual “son of a man” pattern.
From the historical record
“o ; Boston (U.S.j, o, 15, i. Alison, Allison.— <i) Bapt. * the son of Alice.' Richard fil. Alice, co. Oxf., ia7<. A. Nicholas fil. Alicie, co. Camb., ibid. Isabel fil. Alice, co. Oxf., ibid.”
— A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames (alternate scan)