Alicia

What does Alicia mean?

Alicia traces back to the medieval form of the name Alice, itself from an Old German root meaning noble. The name carries that sense of nobility and good breeding in a graceful, understated way.

As a given name, Alicia feels elegant and slightly lyrical. It often gives an impression of warmth and refinement, combining a classic pedigree with a softer, more contemporary sound. Parents may hear both old-fashioned charm and a modern, approachable tone when they meet an Alicia.

Historical Context

Alicia developed as a medieval and later Latinised form of Alice, which itself comes from the Old German name Adalheidis, meaning noble kind. Through Old French and medieval Latin forms the name evolved and spread across Europe. In different regions it took slightly different shapes, but Alicia became established as a distinct, softer variant in Romance and English usage.

Over time Alicia has been adopted in Spanish and English speaking countries, sometimes alongside other variants such as Alice or Alix. Its use grew in the 20th century as parents looked for names that felt both classic and a little more lyrical than the shorter medieval forms. The name has never been restricted to one social group, and its steady presence reflects a blend of historical depth and modern appeal.

Popularity of Alicia over time

In 2025, Alicia was given to 78 girls in the UK and 672 girls in the US. Alicia has declined sharply over the last 20 years, but remains an uncommon girls' name especially in the US.

What do parents think of Alicia?