李佳宁 (Li jianing)
Origin of the surname: The Li surname originated from the ancient Ying clan. It is associated with Li Er (Laozi), the founder of Taoism. During the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Li Yuan established one of China's most prosperous eras, making Li one of the most common surnames in China today.
Meaning: Jianing conveys the meaning of "excellent and tranquil," combining the ideas of outstanding quality and peaceful serenity.
Gender: Female
Source: The name "Jianing" (佳宁) originates from Chinese culture, combining the characters 佳 (jiā), meaning "excellent," "beautiful," or "admirable," and 宁 (níng), meaning "peaceful," "tranquil," or "serene." It reflects a traditional naming practice where parents imbue names with aspirational virtues. The character 佳 often appears in classical poetry and literature to denote elegance or virtue, while 宁 conveys harmony and stability. Together, the name symbolizes a wish for the bearer to embody both outstanding qualities and inner calmness, blending personal excellence with a balanced, peaceful life.
About your English name:
Name: Allison
Meaning: Allison means "noble, kind" or "son of the noble one," derived from the Old French name Alis, a diminutive of Alice, which itself originates from the Germanic name Adalheidis, combining "adal" (noble) and "heid" (kind, type).
Origin: The name Allison is of English and Scottish origin. It is derived from the medieval French name "Alis" (a diminutive of Alice), which itself comes from the Germanic name Adalheidis, composed of the elements "adal" (noble) and "heid" (kind, type). Over time, "Alis" evolved into "Alison" in Old French, and later "Allison" emerged as a variant spelling. The name gained popularity as both a patronymic surname (meaning "son of Allen" or "son of Alice") and later as a feminine given name in English-speaking countries. Its modern usage as a first name became widespread in the 20th century.
Story: The name *Allison* is a variant of *Alison*, which originated as a medieval English diminutive of *Alice*. The name Alice itself derives from the Old French name *Aalis*, a shortened form of *Adelais*, which traces back to the Germanic name *Adalheidis* (composed of *adal* meaning "noble" and *heid* meaning "kind" or "type"). Thus, Allison carries the meaning *"noble one"* or *"of noble birth."*
In medieval times, *Alison* gained popularity through literature, notably in Geoffrey Chaucer’s *The Canterbury Tales* (14th century), where the "Wife of Bath" character references an Alison. Over time, the spelling evolved, and *Allison* emerged as a distinct form, particularly in Scotland, where it was historically used as a surname before becoming a given name.
By the 20th century, Allison became a unisex name but is now predominantly female in English-speaking countries. Its popularity surged in the late 20th century in the U.S., often associated with traits like grace and strength. Notable cultural references include Allison Reynolds in *The Breakfast Club* (1985) and Allison Argent in *Teen Wolf* (2011–2014), reinforcing its modern appeal. The name’s enduring charm lies in its blend of historical depth and contemporary versatility.