Alison

[ashmars]

What do you think of the name Alison? I've been really loving it lately, as it isn't too frilly. Also liking the nn Ali. My only worry is whether it is too dated. Thoughts?

Any middle name suggestions would also be appreciated - struggling to come up with anything that flows nicely.

Allison is the surname spelling. Commonly used in America.

A lovely old medieval name, due a revival. As someone said upthread all the Alison’s I know are artistic strong women. Go for it.

*Alisons

Nice name. I dont see that it matters that it was more common in another generation if you like it.

It was top of my list if DS had been a girl. I like it. He would have been Alison Jean or Alison Mary.

I rather like it. All the Alisons I know are in their 50s and 60s now, but it sounds fresh for a baby. I do think the Victorian, Edwardian names that are in fashion now, such as Alice, will soon go out of fashion and the medieval versions are coming back in.

I like it, and considered it for my DD. Much prefer it to Alice, which is really popular.

It's a really adaptable name because you can put it with a middle name with one, two or four syllables, depending on your surname. Personally I like the rhythm of Alison Elizabeth but you may feel that's too long. Using the same root, Alison Beth, Alison Eva. It lends itself to a lot of options.

Like it!

The only Alison’s I know are Middle Ages woman. I don’t think it sounds right for a current baby, tows the line between not being old fashioned enough (since that’s cool again now) and not being modern enough

Alice is better

I quite like Ali or Allie.

I can see the appeal.

Dated.

I know an Alison. She's 25, a doctor, and totally wonderful. Go for it 👍

Ilove it. Know a 2 year old called Alison so maybe on the way back. Also a 22 year old.
Alison Jean
Alison Beth

I think it is dated, however, I love it. I think the spelling with a Y makes it seem less dated.. Alyson. Ally is gorgeous.

Chaucer's Wife of Bath was Alyson - it's really not a name on a par with Karen and Debbie

I like it. I also like Alice, but not Alicia so much (lots of little Alicias around)

It's a classic name that won't date or go out of fashion

The only Alison’s I know are Middle Ages woman

Assuming you meant middle aged woman, that's a great typo given that indeed Alyson was a name in the Middle Ages

I love that it's such an old name with a lot of history to it. As others have said it goes back to the Middle Ages at least & is a character in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales.

I know a few middle aged Alisons but two in their 20s. I like it a lot. Due a revival I'd say.

I like it. 26 babies in 2016 - so not much chance of coat-peg confusion!

names.darkgreener.com/#alison

Names go in and out of fashion. Look how many babies have names like Grace, Daisy, Mabel etc. Those would have been really rare back in the 60's and 70's - my mum would have called them "Victorian house-maids names", but people like them now.

It makes me think of a middle aged busybody gossip.

It is dated and not due a come back just yet. Definite middle name territory.

I'm an Allison - I am in my 40s (though not a busybody or a gossip). I like it, I've always felt like it was a strong name, not overly feminine but can be shortened to Ally or Lal which are softer.