Adelaide

“Noble kind”

Germanic origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#284US 2023

1.1kBirths / yr

→Stable

29.3kAll-time births

📅 Since 188000.08% of births at peak

How to pronounce Adelaide

AD·ul·ayd

/ˈæd.əl.ˌeɪd/ · stress on AD · 3 syllables

“Noble kind”

Germanic origin · Girl name

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 #284 in the US.

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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 Grace

How popular is Adelaide right now?

Holding steady — currently #284 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#284 · Top 0.21%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
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	▲ up 265 · +21% births
1970	#4038	14	▼ down 1099 · -22% births
1965	#2939	18	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Adelaide

Best Year1900Rank #233

Peak Count1,190

Average Rank#1279

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

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:

Mary Anna Emma Elizabeth Minnie

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	1,128

What are good nicknames for Adelaide?

AFRICAN AMERICAN

KalishaTalisha

ANCIENT GERMANIC

AdelaAdelina

BULGARIAN

Adelina

CZECH

Adéla

Famous people named Adelaide

Adelaide (Germanic saint)

Adelaide spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.

Adelaide (German philosopher)

Adelaide used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.

Adelaide (Scandinavian royal)

Adelaide held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.

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

Adelade

Germanic · noble kind or

Adelheide

Germanic · noble strength

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

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 AE1 D AH0 L EY2 D. 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.