Alicia is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Roman family name Ailia or the male name Aelius. It means "noble" or "nobleman," and was initially used as a surname before becoming popular as a female given name in the Middle Ages.
The name Alicia has been worn by several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous bearers of this name is Saint Alice of Cleves, who lived in the 13th century and became known for her piety and charity towards the poor. She was eventually canonized as a saint by Pope Urban VIII.
Another notable Alicia was the Spanish poet and writer Alicia Borrachero, born in the late 19th century. Borrachero was known for her innovative and experimental poetry, which often explored themes of love, nature, and mysticism. Her work had a significant impact on modern Spanish literature and continues to be studied today.
In popular culture, the name Alicia has been used in numerous films, books, and other forms of media. One of the most famous examples is the character Alice from Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," whose full name is often given as Alicia. This character has inspired countless adaptations and retellings, including Disney's animated film "Alice in Wonderland" and Tim Burton's live-action remake.
Today, Alicia remains a popular choice for parents looking for a feminine name with Latin roots and a strong meaning. It has been consistently ranked among the top 1000 names for girls in the United States since the early 20th century, according to data from the Social Security Administration. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to its classic sound, elegant meaning, and rich history.
The name Alicia has seen a significant increase in popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 229,384 babies named Alicia since 1881.
From 1881 to 1950, the number of births with the name Alicia remained relatively low, ranging from 7 to 768. However, starting in 1959, there was a significant spike in popularity, with 1,365 births that year alone.
The peak of popularity for the name Alicia occurred between 1962 and 1970, with over 2,000 births each year during this period. The highest number of births recorded for the name Alicia was in 1969, with a total of 3,321 babies named Alicia.
Since then, the popularity of the name Alicia has gradually decreased, although it remains relatively common. Between 2015 and 2023, there were between 699 and 758 births each year for girls named Alicia in the United States.
Overall, the name Alicia has a rich history of popularity in the United States, with a wide range of babies named Alicia born over the past century and a half. Despite fluctuations in popularity over time, Alicia remains a timeless and classic choice for parents looking for a traditional yet unique name for their daughter.