Declining since 1999, #2,117 for girls today.
Popularity of Ally since 1985
Babies named Ally per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 178 |
| 1990s | 1,812 |
| 2000s | 4,144 |
| 2010s | 3,347 |
| 2020s | 749 |
Meaning & origin
Ally originated as a diminutive of Alice and has been used as a standalone name in the United States since at least 1985, when it first appeared in Social Security records. It reached its peak popularity in 1998, ranking 2,117th at that time. Since 1999, the name has been in steady decline, reflecting a broader trend away from nickname-style names toward longer, more formal choices. Despite its current lower rank, Ally remains familiar and approachable. Geographically, it saw highest usage in Missouri, Tennessee, and California during its peak years. The name Ally offers parents a short, friendly choice that retains its connection to the classic Alice.
Ally is typically a diminutive of Alice, which derives from the Old French name Alis, a form of the Germanic name Adalheidis (from adal 'noble' and heid 'kind, sort'). It emerged as an independent given name in the English-speaking world in the 20th century, gaining popularity as a nickname-turned-standalone name.
Where Ally 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.
“Ally” around the world
Where Ally lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Ireland
7
babies in 2025
Quebec
7
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Ally
Names that share Ally's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Ally
Names whose popularity has moved with Ally's over the last 50 years.
