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Alys Girl

Popularity: #925 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationAL-iss / /ˈæl.ɪs/

Old French; Germanic

Meaning

Noble; truthful

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Alys is derived from the Old High German name Adalheidis, which means "noble kind" or "of noble birth." This name evolved through various linguistic forms, transitioning from Old High German to Latin as Adalheidis, and later to Old French as Aalis or Alis. The name was introduced into English following the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, where it became popularized as Alice, with Alys being a variant that reflects the phonetic and orthographic changes of the Middle Ages.

Historically, the name Alys has been associated with several notable figures, including Alys, the daughter of King Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine, who lived in the 12th century. The name gained further prominence through literary works, most notably in Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" published in the 19th century, which, while not directly featuring Alys, solidified the cultural resonance of its variants. Additionally, the name appears in various medieval texts and documents, often linked to noble families and figures in English history.

Culturally, Alys carries connotations of nobility and virtue, reflecting its etymological roots. The name has been embraced in various forms across different cultures, often symbolizing grace and dignity. In some contexts, diminutive forms such as Aly or Alysse have emerged, showcasing the name's adaptability and enduring appeal throughout the centuries. The historical significance and noble associations of Alys contribute to its lasting presence in the tapestry of names used in English-speaking regions.

Trend Summary

Alys has seen a modest rise in popularity in recent years, often associated with vintage name trends.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Alyse
  • Alyssa

International Variants

  • Alicia (Spanish)
  • Alycia (English)
  • Alyse (French)

Famous people named Alys

Alys Fowler is a gardener and writer best known for The Edible Garden, The Garden Jungle, and her work on BBC's Gardeners' World.

Fictional characters named Alys

Alys is a fictional character from the novel series The Broken Earth by N.K. Jemisin. She is a significant figure in the story, representing the struggles and resilience of oppressed people in a world filled with seismic upheaval.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Alys was first seen in the United States in 1880. Alys has ranked as high as #861 nationally, which occurred in 1920, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, California, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Alys has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Alys (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 5
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18805
18886
18907
18948
18975
18986
19007
19027
19037
190611
19076
190816
19096
191019
19116
191212
191317
191418
191519
191617
191724
191826
191912
192029
192124
192217
192326
192425
192513
192619
192721
192811
192914
193013
193110
193213
193311
193411
19369
19379
193812
193910
194012
19417
194212
194415
19455
19469
19477
19486
194910
19507
195113
19529
19538
195411
19555
195614
19576
195810
19597
19606
19617
19626
19636
19647
19659
19669
19678
19685
19697
197011
19716
19727
19737
19745
197512
19769
19798
19805
19839
19848
19858
19869
19879
198817
198917
19906
199113
19939
199411
19955
19968
19975
19985
200010
20016
200210
200410
200514
20067
20079
20089
20099
201011
201117
201218
20139
201415
201516
20167
201717
201814
20199
202011
202120
202214
202329
202425