Adele

♀ Girl

Pronounced uh-DEL /əˈdɛl/High

Meaning: Noble; from the Old High German element adal meaning noble or of noble birthHigh

In 30 seconds: A sleek French-Germanic name meaning noble, Adele has elegant Old World roots and explosive modern recognition thanks to the British singer who has gone by one name since 2008.

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Origin HighGermanic, French

MeaningNoble; from the Old High German element adal meaning noble or of noble birth

U.S. rank (2025)#751 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births362 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1918

Total births (all-time)≈ 42,358

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Adele is the French and English form of the Old High German Adela, built on the element adal meaning noble. The name was borne by several early medieval saints and Frankish noblewomen, spreading rapidly through the Norman world.

After the Norman Conquest of 1066, Adele entered England as an aristocratic name. It gradually became Adela and Adelia in Latin documents, while the French form Adele persisted in literary and courtly use. The 19th century saw a romantic revival, and the 21st-century megastar singer reignited global interest.

Did you know? The singer Adele's debut album 19 (2008) was named after her age at the time of recording, making her one of the rare artists whose single-name fame revived a vintage classic.

Overall data confidence 96%

Behind the Name — Adele — etymology and Germanic rootsU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AdelaAdeliaAdelleAdelie

Nicknames

DellDella

Famous Bearers

★Adele (1988–present)
British singer-songwriter known for the albums 19, 21, and 25 and hit songs including Rolling in the Deep and Hello.
★Adela of Normandy (1067–1137)
Daughter of William the Conqueror and Countess of Blois, she was one of the most powerful women in early 12th-century Europe.

If you like Adele…

Elise— same crisp two-syllable French elegance

Celeste— shares the light, classic French feel

Eleanor— same noble vintage character with modern appeal

Camille— fellow sleek French classic with timeless sophistication

Frequently Asked

What does the name Adele mean?

Adele is a Germanic and French name meaning noble, from the Old High German element adal.

How do you pronounce Adele?

It is said uh-DEL, two syllables with stress on the second.

Is Adele a boy or girl name?

Adele is used almost exclusively as a girls name.

What are some variations of the name Adele?

Variations include Adela, Adelia, and Adelle, all sharing the same noble Germanic root.