What does Adelaide mean and where does it come from?
Adelaide comes from the Germanic name 'Adalheidis', meaning 'noble kind'. The name became popular in the 19th century, and its usage as a first name was spurred by the figures of Princess Adelaide of Schleswig and Queen Adelaide, wife of King William IV of the United Kingdom. The name was also adopt
Cultural significance
Adelaide has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of noble kind.
Peak popularity
Reached #179 in 1883 — currently #289 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Adelaide?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Adelaide?
Adelaide works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Adelaide Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Adelaide Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Adelaide Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Adelaide Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Adelaide Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Adelaide Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Adelaide right now?
Declining — down 18 spots — currently #289 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #289 | 1,062 | ▼ down 18 · -9% births |
| 2024 | #271 | 1,161 | ▲ up 13 · +5% births |
| 2023 | #284 | 1,106 | ▼ down 2 · -1% births |
| 2022 | #282 | 1,122 | ▼ down 21 · -6% births |
| 2021 | #261 | 1,190 | ▲ up 13 · +5% births |
| 2020 | #274 | 1,128 | ▼ down 1 · -3% births |
| 2015 | #273 | 1,160 | ▲ up 161 · +63% births |
| 2010 | #434 | 711 | ▲ up 467 · +156% births |
| 2005 | #901 | 278 | ▲ up 493 · +109% births |
| 2000 | #1394 | 133 | ▲ up 760 · +115% births |
| 1995 | #2154 | 62 | ▲ up 645 · +51% births |
| 1990 | #2799 | 41 | ▲ up 207 · +37% births |
| 1985 | #3006 | 30 | ▲ up 987 · +58% births |
| 1980 | #3993 | 19 | ▼ down 220 · +12% births |
| 1975 | #3773 | 17 | — |
The story of Adelaide
Adelaide has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 29,328 babies have received this name.
Names that peaked alongside Adelaide in 1883:
Adelaide by decade
Adelaide peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 879 | |
| 1890s | 1,319 | |
| 1900s | 1,547 | |
| 1910s | 3,908 | |
| 1920s | 3,344 | |
| 1930s | 1,298 | |
| 1940s | 866 | |
| 1950s | 498 | |
| 1960s | 243 | |
| 1970s | 168 | |
| 1980s | 286 | |
| 1990s | 724 | |
| 2000s | 2,917 | |
| 2010s ★ | 10,203 | |
| 2020s | 3,351 | |
What are good nicknames for Adelaide?
AFRICAN AMERICAN
KalishaTalisha
ANCIENT GERMANIC
AdelaAdelina
Famous people named Adelaide
A(
Adelaide (Germanic saint)
Adelaide spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
A(
Adelaide (German philosopher)
Adelaide used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
A(
Adelaide (Scandinavian royal)
Adelaide held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
A(
Adelaide (Germanic saint)
Adelaide spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Adelaide?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Adelaide also consider these
How is Adelaide written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Adelaide
What does the name Adelaide mean?
Adelaide means "Noble kind" — 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 Adelaide?
Adelaide is currently ranked #284 in the United States as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Adelaide?
Adelaide 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 Adelaide?
Adelaide is a three-syllable name pronounced AD-ul-ayd. 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 Adelaide?
Adelaide pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Germanic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.