What does Adele mean and where does it come from?
Adele is derived from the Germanic name 'Adal', meaning 'noble'. It became popular in France as a diminutive form of Adèle. The name has gained importance in modern culture with famous figures like English singer-songwriter Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, known simply as Adele, who has received numerous a
Cultural significance
Adele has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of german.
Peak popularity
Reached #187 in 1914 — currently #674 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Adele?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Adele?
Adele works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Adele Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Adele Rose
Floral · soft ending
Adele Mae
Sweet · timeless
Adele Claire
French influence · crisp
Adele Jane
Literary · strong
Adele Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Adele right now?
Holding steady — currently #674 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #674 | 1,526 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #679 | 1,506 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #684 | 1,476 | ▲ up 106 · +334% births |
| 2020 | #790 | 340 | ▼ down 143 · -23% births |
| 2015 | #647 | 442 | ▲ up 262 · +54% births |
| 2010 | #909 | 287 | ▲ up 796 · +147% births |
| 2005 | #1705 | 116 | ▲ up 119 · +23% births |
| 2000 | #1824 | 94 | ▼ down 198 · +3% births |
| 1995 | #1626 | 91 | ▲ up 5 |
| 1990 | #1631 | 91 | ▼ down 27 · +23% births |
| 1985 | #1604 | 74 | ▼ down 209 · -17% births |
| 1980 | #1395 | 89 | ▼ down 270 · -14% births |
| 1975 | #1125 | 103 | stable · -1% births |
| 1970 | #1125 | 104 | ▼ down 395 · -44% births |
| 1965 | #730 | 186 | — |
The story of Adele
Adele has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 40,621 babies have received this name. Once ranked #240 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #674 in 2023. Adele is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Adele in 1914:
Adele by decade
Adele peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 748 | |
| 1890s | 1,498 | |
| 1900s | 1,886 | |
| 1910s | 6,886 | |
| 1920s ★ | 7,659 | |
| 1930s | 4,078 | |
| 1940s | 3,762 | |
| 1950s | 3,863 | |
| 1960s | 1,890 | |
| 1970s | 1,006 | |
| 1980s | 845 | |
| 1990s | 868 | |
| 2000s | 1,281 | |
| 2010s | 4,011 | |
| 2020s | 340 | |
What are good nicknames for Adele?
ENGLISH
AdalynAdalynnAdelineAdelynAleneAliAlineAllieAllyDeliaDellaEthelyn
Famous people named Adele
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Adele (medieval German ruler)
Adele bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
A(
Adele (Germanic saint)
Adele spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
A(
Adele (German philosopher)
Adele used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
A(
Adele (Scandinavian royal)
Adele held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Adele?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Adele also consider these
How is Adele written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Adele
What does the name Adele mean?
Adele means "German" — 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 Adele?
Adele is currently ranked #674 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Adele?
Adele 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 Adele?
Adele is a two-syllable name pronounced AH0 D EH1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Adele more of a girl or boy name?
Adele is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.