My dad liked the show Bosom Buddies and apparently there was a line where they went "Sonny Sonny Sonny." (sing song like) and my dad decided that he wanted to do that with me.

there was a slight hitch in the plans in that I emphatically refused to be called that, with foot stomping and hands on hips and "I NOT SONNY. I ALLISON." (at about the age in the icon)

My mom's choice was Alexandra, which wouldn't have been too bad, but I like my name.