Declining since 1988, #1,229 for girls today.
Popularity of Alisha since 1948
Babies named Alisha per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 14 |
| 1950s | 92 |
| 1960s | 1,473 |
| 1970s | 8,918 |
| 1980s | 21,751 |
| 1990s | 14,510 |
| 2000s | 6,010 |
| 2010s | 3,007 |
| 2020s | 1,221 |
Meaning & origin
Alisha emerged as a given name in the United States in the late 1940s, first recorded in 1948. It gained considerable traction in the following decades, reaching its peak popularity in 1987. Since 1988, its usage has been on a steady decline, reflecting changing naming trends. Alisha was most common in the 1980s, particularly in states like Florida, Indiana, and New York. Despite its retreat from the top of the charts, Alisha remains a recognizable and enduring choice, rooted in the Germanic tradition of names conveying nobility.
Alisha is a modern English spelling variant of Alicia, which itself derives from the Germanic name Adalheidis, composed of the elements 'adal' (noble) and 'heid' (kind, sort). The name entered English via French and Spanish forms. Alisha saw a rise in popularity in the United States starting in the mid-20th century, particularly peaking in the 1980s.
Where Alisha is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Alisha” around the world
Where Alisha lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Ireland
10
babies in 2025
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ali, Lisha, Lee
Sibling names for Alisha
Names that share Alisha's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Jessica, Amanda, Stephanie, Amber, Erica, Anissa, Shanice, Anisha, Deonna, Marisha, Teisha, Dashia, Jalisha, Jaquana, Jelisa, Jeniah, Kaisha, Malisha, Shalita, Sherria, Tylisha, Calisha, Canisha, Dalisha, Daneshia, Janesha, Maresha, Marlisha, Rashana, Shabria, Shameria, Taesha, Tanica, Tashia, Arlisha, Brenisha, Falesha, Harnaaz, Kerisha, Krishana, Neesha, Talishia, Tarisha, Telesha, Tishara
Brothers: Michael, Jason, Matthew, Christopher, Andrew, Rayshun, Sartaj, Tyrick, Tywone
Names like Alisha
Names whose popularity has moved with Alisha's over the last 50 years.
