What does Ada mean and where does it come from?
Ada has Germanic origins, derived from the word 'adel,' meaning 'noble.' It is also associated with Hebrew, meaning 'adornment' or 'pleasant.' The name became popular in the 19th century, partly due to Ada Lovelace, who is credited as one of the first computer programmers. The name has seen a resurg
Cultural significance
Ada has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of noble, nobility.
Peak popularity
Reached #33 in 1880 — currently #178 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ada?
Ada works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ada Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ada Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ada Claire
French influence · crisp
Ada Jane
Literary · strong
Ada Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ada right now?
Holding steady — currently #178 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #178 | 1,651 | ▲ up 3 |
| 2022 | #181 | 1,656 | ▼ down 1 |
| 2021 | #180 | 1,648 | ▲ up 4 · +6% births |
| 2020 | #184 | 1,548 | ▲ up 172 · +68% births |
| 2015 | #356 | 919 | ▲ up 188 · +70% births |
| 2010 | #544 | 540 | ▲ up 251 · +66% births |
| 2005 | #795 | 326 | ▲ up 292 · +72% births |
| 2000 | #1087 | 190 | ▲ up 89 · +30% births |
| 1995 | #1176 | 146 | ▼ down 152 · -18% births |
| 1990 | #1024 | 177 | ▼ down 77 · +8% births |
| 1985 | #947 | 164 | ▼ down 38 · -1% births |
| 1980 | #909 | 166 | ▼ down 143 · -10% births |
| 1975 | #766 | 185 | ▼ down 100 · -22% births |
| 1970 | #666 | 238 | ▼ down 83 · -11% births |
| 1965 | #583 | 268 | — |
The story of Ada
Ada has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #33 in 1880. A total of 99,105 babies have received this name. Ada is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Ada in 1880:
Ada by decade
Ada peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 8,451 | |
| 1890s | 10,422 | |
| 1900s | 9,129 | |
| 1910s ★ | 15,286 | |
| 1920s | 15,209 | |
| 1930s | 8,523 | |
| 1940s | 5,890 | |
| 1950s | 4,305 | |
| 1960s | 2,872 | |
| 1970s | 1,927 | |
| 1980s | 1,616 | |
| 1990s | 1,583 | |
| 2000s | 3,351 | |
| 2010s | 8,993 | |
| 2020s | 1,548 | |
What are good nicknames for Ada?
ENGLISH
AdalynAdalynnAdelineAdelynAleneAliAlineAllieAllyDeliaDella
Famous people named Ada
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Ada (Norse explorer)
Ada carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
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Ada (Germanic saint)
Ada spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
A(
Ada (medieval German ruler)
Ada bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
A(
Ada (Norse explorer)
Ada carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Ada?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ada also consider these
How is Ada written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Ada
What does the name Ada mean?
Ada means "noble, nobility" — a name rooted in Germanic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Ada?
Ada is currently ranked #178 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Ada have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Ada?
Ada originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Ada?
Ada is a two-syllable name pronounced EY1 D AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Ada trending right now?
Ada is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.