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Adeline Girl

Popularity: #58 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationAD-uh-leen / ˈæd.ə.lin

French; Germanic

Meaning

Noble; nobility

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Adeline has its roots in the Germanic name "Adalheidis," which is composed of the elements "adal," meaning "noble," and "heid," meaning "kind" or "sort." This name evolved into various forms through the centuries, notably becoming "Adele" in Old French. The transition into English occurred during the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, when many Norman names were introduced into the English language. The name Adeline itself emerged in the 12th century as a diminutive form of Adele, gaining popularity in medieval England.

Historically, the name Adeline has been borne by various notable figures, including saints and members of the nobility. One significant figure is Saint Adeline, a 9th-century abbess in France, who contributed to the spread of Christianity in her region. The name also appears in literary works, such as in the 19th century with the character Adeline in the novel "The Mysteries of Udolpho" by Ann Radcliffe, which helped to cement its place in cultural history. Additionally, the name was used in the context of the French Revolution, where it was associated with ideals of nobility and virtue.

Culturally, Adeline carries connotations of nobility and grace, reflecting its etymological roots. The name has been embraced in various forms across different cultures, often linked to themes of kindness and nobility. The diminutive "Addie" has also been used historically, providing a more informal yet affectionate version of the name. Overall, Adeline's enduring resonance can be attributed to its noble origins and the rich tapestry of historical figures and cultural references that have shaped its identity over the centuries.

Trend Summary

Adeline has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, ranking among the top names for girls in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Adele
  • Addie

International Variants

  • Adelina (Spanish)
  • Adelheid (German)
  • Adelina (Italian)

Famous people named Adeline

Adeline Virginia Woolf is an author best known for Mrs. Dalloway, To the Lighthouse, and A Room of One's Own.

Adeline Yen Mah is an author best known for Chinese Cinderella, Falling Leaves, and Watching the Tree.

Fictional characters named Adeline

Adeline is a fictional character from the novel The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. She is a minor character who serves as a friend to Mary Lennox, helping her navigate the challenges of her new life in England.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Adeline was first seen in the United States in 1880. Adeline has ranked as high as #157 nationally, which occurred in 2016, and has been most popular in California, New York, Illinois, Texas, and Minnesota. In the past 5 years the name Adeline has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Adeline (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 416
12%
TX 401
11%
FL 184
5%
NC 134
4%
IL 133
4%
PA 133
4%
OH 130
4%
GA 128
4%
NY 108
3%
WA 108
3%
TN 107
3%
CO 105
3%
VA 93
3%
WI 84
2%
MA 82
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188054
188158
188270
188382
1884112
188586
188685
1887103
1888128
1889154
1890150
1891132
1892148
1893141
1894174
1895180
1896187
1897172
1898213
1899200
1900237
1901192
1902240
1903212
1904259
1905236
1906264
1907315
1908346
1909345
1910395
1911413
1912570
1913668
1914878
19151,097
19161,168
19171,234
19181,301
19191,261
19201,260
19211,246
19221,085
19231,077
19241,142
19251,022
1926944
1927806
1928721
1929614
1930555
1931490
1932464
1933371
1934326
1935283
1936264
1937245
1938238
1939214
1940202
1941189
1942172
1943174
1944171
1945136
1946162
1947150
1948134
1949128
1950112
1951104
1952117
195392
195492
195578
195692
195766
195884
195968
196073
196161
196266
196365
196459
196545
196652
196740
196836
196935
197041
197132
197229
197333
197441
197544
197623
197732
197840
197933
198043
198153
198238
198340
198438
198552
198647
198753
198857
198972
199055
199174
199271
199376
199499
1995107
1996127
1997162
1998181
1999228
2000282
2001321
2002364
2003403
2004480
2005521
2006676
2007840
2008910
2009922
2010990
20111,103
20121,343
20131,377
20141,530
20152,412
20164,119
20173,937
20183,490
20193,077
20202,719
20212,770
20222,825
20233,088
20243,723