What does Adela mean and where does it come from?
Adela has roots in both German and Spanish languages, derived from the Old High German name 'Adalheidis' which means 'noble.' It has a classic feel and has been used for centuries. The name has seen variations in spelling and form, popular in many European cultures. Adela has notable bearers includi
Cultural significance
Adela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of noble.
Peak popularity
Reached #456 in 1882 — currently #1129 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spanish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Adela?
Adela works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Adela Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Adela Rose
Floral · soft ending
Adela Mae
Sweet · timeless
Adela Claire
French influence · crisp
Adela Jane
Literary · strong
Adela Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Adela right now?
Declining — down 14 spots — currently #1129 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1129 | 215 | ▼ down 14 · -3% births |
| 2022 | #1115 | 221 | ▲ up 72 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #1187 | 205 | ▼ down 28 · +3% births |
| 2020 | #1159 | 199 | ▼ down 35 · -12% births |
| 2015 | #1124 | 227 | ▲ up 532 · +77% births |
| 2010 | #1656 | 128 | ▼ down 224 · -14% births |
| 2005 | #1432 | 149 | ▲ up 26 · +18% births |
| 2000 | #1458 | 126 | ▲ up 104 · +30% births |
| 1995 | #1562 | 97 | ▲ up 43 · +4% births |
| 1990 | #1605 | 93 | ▲ up 205 · +50% births |
| 1985 | #1810 | 62 | ▼ down 280 · -19% births |
| 1980 | #1530 | 77 | ▼ down 69 · +10% births |
| 1975 | #1461 | 70 | ▼ down 258 · -26% births |
| 1970 | #1203 | 94 | ▼ down 103 · +3% births |
| 1965 | #1100 | 91 | — |
The story of Adela
Adela has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 13,036 babies have received this name. Once ranked #580 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1129 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Adela in 1882:
Adela by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 147 | |
| 1890s | 307 | |
| 1900s | 377 | |
| 1910s | 1,040 | |
| 1920s | 1,246 | |
| 1930s | 805 | |
| 1940s | 1,043 | |
| 1950s | 1,181 | |
| 1960s | 903 | |
| 1970s | 791 | |
| 1980s | 704 | |
| 1990s | 1,050 | |
| 2000s | 1,367 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,876 | |
| 2020s | 199 | |
What are good nicknames for Adela?
ENGLISH
AdalynAdalynnAdelineAdelynAleneAliAlineAllieAllyDeliaDellaEthelyn
Famous people named Adela
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Adela (Spanish saint)
Adela helped establish this name across the Spanish-speaking Catholic world.
A(
Adela (Spanish royal)
Adela held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.
A(
Adela (Latin American historical figure)
Adela used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.
A(
Adela (Spanish royal)
Adela held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Adela?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Adela also consider these
How is Adela written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Adela?
Common questions about the name Adela
What does the name Adela mean?
Adela means "noble" — a name rooted in Spanish 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 Adela?
Adela is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Adela have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Adela?
Adela originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish 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 Adela?
Adela is a three-syllable name pronounced AH0 D EH1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Adela?
Adela pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spanish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.