Origin & Meaning of the Allison Surname
What does the last name Allison mean?
The surname Allison carries the meaning "Son of Alli." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 52,701 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Allison ranks as the #646 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Allison come from?
The Allison surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Allison name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Allison trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Allison |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Alli |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #646 |
| US Count (2010) | 52,701 |
| Per 100K People | 17.87 |
| First Letter | A |
Ethnic Distribution of Allison
According to the US Census, the Allison surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 52,701 Americans with the Allison last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 80.72% |
| Black | 13.1% |
| Hispanic | 2.28% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.57% |
| Native American | 1.34% |
| Two or More Races | 1.99% |
Popularity of Allison Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Allison surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Allison surname increased by 1,197 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Allison Ancestry
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The Complete Story of the Allison Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Allison
- ✓ The Allison coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Allison families live today
- ✓ Notable Allison bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Allison
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Allison.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Allison.
Frequently Asked Questions About Allison
Top Surnames Starting with A
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter A, ranked by population.
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