This surname was a baptismal name 'the son of Alwin'. The name has been common in England and Scotland since the 13th century. Early records of the name mention Gocelinus filius Alice who was documented in County Lincoln in the year 1273. William Alisun was recorded in the year 1248 in Berkshire and Henry Alleyson was documented in the year 1332 in Warwickshire. George Haynes and Agnes Alles were married in London in the year 1571. Gabriel Alason was bailie of the burgh of Dumfries in the year 1693. At first the coat of arms was a practical matter which served a function on the battlefield and in tournaments. With his helmet covering his face, and armour encasing the knight from head to foot, the only means of identification for his followers, was the insignia painted on his shield, and embroidered on his surcoat, the draped and flowing garment worn over the armour. Between the 11th and 15th centuries it became customary for surnames to be assumed in Europe, but they were not commonplace in England or Scotland before the Norman Conquest of 1066. They are to be found in the Domesday Book of 1086. Those of gentler blood assumed surnames at this time, but it was not until the reign of Edward II (1327-1377) that it became common practice for all people. Since the dawn of civilisation the need to communicate has been a prime drive of all higher mankind. The more organised the social structure became, the more urgent the need to name places, objects and situations essential to the survival and existence of the social unit. From this common stem arose the requirements to identify families, tribes and individual members evolving into a pattern in evidence today. In the formation of this history, common usage of customs, trades, locations, patronymic and generic terms were often adopted as surnames. The demands of bureaucracy formally introduced by feudal lords in the 11th century, to define the boundaries and families within their fiefdoms, crystallized the need for personal identification and accountability, and surnames became in general use from this time onwards.

The associated arms are recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884.