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Ada Girl

Popularity: #185 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationAY-duh / /ˈeɪ.də/

German; Hebrew

Meaning

Noble; Adornment

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Ada has roots in the Hebrew language, derived from the word 'adāh,' which means 'ornament' or 'adornment.' This name appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Genesis, where Ada is mentioned as one of the wives of Lamech, a figure in the genealogy of Noah. The name subsequently made its way into various languages through translations of biblical texts, influencing its adoption in different cultures. In the early medieval period, Ada was introduced into Old French as 'Adele,' which later evolved into various forms across Europe, including the Germanic 'Adelheid' and the English 'Adelaide.' The name Ada itself emerged in English usage during the 19th century, influenced by the Romantic movement and the growing interest in medieval names.

Historically, the name Ada has been associated with several notable figures, including Ada Lovelace, who is often regarded as one of the first computer programmers in the mid-19th century. Her work on Charles Babbage's early mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine, has left a lasting legacy in the fields of mathematics and computer science. Additionally, the name Ada has been borne by various saints and noblewomen throughout history, contributing to its cultural significance.

Culturally, Ada has been embraced in literature and the arts, often symbolizing beauty and grace. The name's simplicity and elegance have allowed it to resonate across different cultures and eras. In some traditions, diminutive forms such as Addie have emerged, reflecting a more affectionate or familial usage. Overall, Ada's historical and cultural associations have contributed to its enduring presence in various societies.

Trend Summary

The name Ada has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, particularly in the 21st century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Adah
  • Aida

International Variants

  • Ada (Italian)
  • Aïda (French)
  • Aida (Spanish)

Famous people named Ada

Ada Lovelace is a mathematician and writer best known for her work on Charles Babbage's early mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine.

Ada Wong is a fictional character best known for her role in the Resident Evil video game series.

Ada Nicodemou is an actress best known for her role in Home and Away.

Fictional characters named Ada

Ada Wong is a fictional character from the video game series Resident Evil. She is a mysterious spy who often assists the protagonists while pursuing her own agenda.

Ada is a fictional character from the novel Ada or Ardor by Vladimir Nabokov. She is the central character in a complex narrative exploring themes of love and memory.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Ada was first seen in the United States in 1880. Ada has ranked as high as #211 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Ohio, and California. In the past 5 years the name Ada has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Ada (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 104
7%
TX 95
6%
NC 76
5%
PA 76
5%
NY 74
5%
IL 72
5%
OH 64
4%
GA 57
4%
FL 55
4%
TN 53
4%
WI 51
3%
MN 45
3%
VA 44
3%
IN 44
3%
AL 39
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880652
1881628
1882689
1883778
1884854
1885876
1886915
1887910
18881,116
18891,005
18901,074
1891975
18921,134
18931,051
18941,018
18951,124
18961,041
1897956
18981,022
1899984
19001,101
1901913
1902921
1903843
1904878
1905873
1906819
1907906
1908922
1909945
1910960
1911939
19121,268
19131,282
19141,494
19151,817
19161,860
19171,853
19181,943
19191,818
19201,823
19211,756
19221,684
19231,638
19241,583
19251,500
19261,462
19271,347
19281,213
19291,129
19301,040
1931973
1932984
1933870
1934833
1935798
1936750
1937796
1938745
1939703
1940665
1941677
1942709
1943658
1944547
1945527
1946547
1947524
1948533
1949497
1950471
1951514
1952482
1953437
1954444
1955433
1956397
1957393
1958371
1959363
1960351
1961344
1962322
1963305
1964318
1965268
1966244
1967245
1968254
1969223
1970238
1971198
1972206
1973201
1974164
1975186
1976168
1977187
1978197
1979179
1980166
1981181
1982170
1983146
1984156
1985165
1986146
1987157
1988154
1989165
1990177
1991170
1992197
1993138
1994155
1995150
1996140
1997143
1998146
1999184
2000196
2001192
2002214
2003219
2004305
2005328
2006404
2007465
2008529
2009535
2010543
2011605
2012634
2013703
2014871
2015921
2016968
20171,019
20181,302
20191,467
20201,560
20211,648
20221,656
20231,651
20241,563