"noble, of noble birth"
Origin: Germanic
Language: German
Adela
Pronunciation: [ uhd-EHL-uh ]
Girl Name
#1,096 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
3 Syllables
Noble Germanic grace that spans a millennium
Spanish
Czech
Polish
German
English
Classic
Elegant
Vintage
Sophisticated
Traditional
Meaning & Origin
"nobility, aristocracy"
Origin: Old High German
Language: English
The Story of Adela
Adela derives from the Germanic element adal or adel, meaning noble or nobility. This root produced a family of related names including Adele, Adelaide, Adelheid, and Adeline. Adela was introduced to England by the Normans after 1066 — notably Adela of Normandy, daughter of William the Conqueror, was a powerful medieval ruler who governed Normandy and influenced European politics.
Adela is experiencing a gentle revival as part of the broader trend toward vintage European names. While Adele the singer boosted the -ele spelling, Adela appeals to parents who prefer the softer three-syllable European variant.
In Spanish-speaking countries, Adela has been a consistently used traditional name for generations. In Czech and Polish communities, Adela/Adela carries royal heritage through medieval European nobility.
Fun Facts
- Adela of Normandy, daughter of William the Conqueror, was one of medieval Europe's most powerful women
- The Germanic adal root gave rise to over 100 different names across European languages
Adela in Other Languages
Czech
Adela
French
Adele
German
Adela
Polish
Adela
Italian
Adele
Russian
Адела
Spanish
Adela
Famous People Named Adela
A
Adela Rogers St. Johns
Writer
1894
American journalist known as the world's greatest girl reporter who covered major stories for six decades
A
Adela of Normandy
Royalty
1067
Daughter of William the Conqueror who ruled Normandy as regent and was one of medieval Europe's most influential women
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,096
- Total SSA Count
- 224
- Cultural Origins
- Spanish Czech Polish German English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Addie
Della
Ada
Pairs Well With
Adela Rose
Adela Marie
Adela Grace
Adela Louise
Adela Sofia
Adela Elena
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Adela
What does the name Adela mean?
"noble, of noble birth" (from Germanic). "nobility, aristocracy" (from Old High German). Adela derives from the Germanic element adal or adel, meaning noble or nobility. This root produced a family of related names including Adele, Adelaide, Adelheid, and Adeline. Adela was introduced to England by the Normans after 1066 — notably Adela of Normandy, daughter of William the Conqueror, was a powerful medieval ruler who governed Normandy and influenced European politics.
What is the origin of the name Adela?
Adela has Germanic, Old High German, Spanish, Czech, Polish, German, and English origins. In Germanic, it means "noble, of noble birth". In Old High German, it means "nobility, aristocracy".
Is Adela a boy or girl name?
Adela is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Adela?
Adela is pronounced uhd-EHL-uh.
How popular is the name Adela?
Adela is currently ranked #1096 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Adela?
Common nicknames for Adela include Addie, Della, and Ada.
What are good middle names for Adela?
Popular middle name pairings include Adela Rose, Adela Marie, Adela Grace, Adela Louise, Adela Sofia, and Adela Elena.
What are good sibling names for Adela?
Names that pair well with Adela as siblings include Leopold, Elise, Roland, Mathilde, Otto, and Clara.
How many syllables does Adela have?
Adela has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Adela a common or rare name?
Adela is an uncommon name, ranked #1096 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Adela
Adela is a girl name with Spanish, Czech, Polish, German, and English origins . The name means "noble, of noble birth" in Germanic .
Adela is currently ranked #1,096 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Adela has 3 syllables and is pronounced uhd-EHL-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Adela include Addie, Della, and Ada. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Adela include Adeline, Adelaide, Adelyn, Adelina, Adelynn . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.