"eagle"
Origin: Old High German
Language: German
Adler
Pronunciation: [ ADL-er ]
Boy Name
#965 Most Popular
Rising
2 Syllables
German for eagle — soaring, strong, and distinguished
German
Jewish
American
Austrian
Strong
Vintage
Bold
Sophisticated
Meaning & Origin
"noble eagle (adal + aro)"
Origin: Germanic
Language: German
The Story of Adler
Adler is the German word for eagle, derived from Old High German 'adal' (noble) and 'aro' (eagle), literally meaning 'noble eagle.' The eagle has been a symbol of power, vision, and nobility across Germanic, Roman, and many other cultures — it appears on the German national coat of arms, the Roman legions' standards, and the American presidential seal. As a surname, Adler is common among both German and Ashkenazi Jewish families. As a given name, it's part of the growing trend of using strong, meaningful surnames as first names.
Adler has been gaining traction as a given name in the United States throughout the 2010s and 2020s, part of a broader trend toward Germanic and English surname-style names for boys. Its sharp sound, clear meaning, and distinguished feel appeal to parents seeking something less common than similar choices like Archer or Asher.
The eagle (Adler) is deeply embedded in German culture, appearing on the national emblem since the time of Charlemagne. In Jewish Ashkenazi tradition, Adler is one of the most recognizable surnames, particularly associated with psychologist Alfred Adler, founder of individual psychology. The name carries an air of intellectual prestige alongside its strength symbolism.
Fun Facts
- Alfred Adler (1870–1937) was an Austrian psychologist who founded individual psychology and coined the concept of the 'inferiority complex'
- The Adler eagle has appeared on the German coat of arms continuously since the reign of Charlemagne in the 9th century
Adler in Other Languages
Latin
Aquila
French
Aigle
German
Adler
Hebrew
נשר (Nesher = eagle)
Famous People Named Adler
L
Lou Adler
Business
1933
American record producer, film producer, and co-founder of Ode Records who worked with the Mamas and the Papas
A
Alfred Adler
Scientist
1870
Austrian psychologist, founder of individual psychology, who coined 'inferiority complex' and 'birth order' theory
I
Irene Adler Fictional
Other
Fictional character from Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories — the only woman to have outwitted Holmes
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #965
- Total SSA Count
- 233
- Cultural Origins
- German Jewish American Austrian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Ad
Pairs Well With
Adler James
Adler Cole
Adler Grey
Adler Flynn
Adler Reed
Adler Nash
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Adler is also used as a girl name, ranked #5711.
View Adler as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
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Frequently Asked Questions About Adler
What does the name Adler mean?
"eagle" (from Old High German). "noble eagle (adal + aro)" (from Germanic). Adler is the German word for eagle, derived from Old High German 'adal' (noble) and 'aro' (eagle), literally meaning 'noble eagle.' The eagle has been a symbol of power, vision, and nobility across Germanic, Roman, and many other cultures — it appears on the German national coat of arms, the Roman legions' standards, and the American presidential seal. As a surname, Adler is common among both German and Ashkenazi Jewish families. As a given name, it's part of the growing trend of using strong, meaningful surnames as first names.
What is the origin of the name Adler?
Adler has Old High German, Germanic, German, Jewish, American, and Austrian origins. In Old High German, it means "eagle". In Germanic, it means "noble eagle (adal + aro)".
Is Adler a boy or girl name?
Adler is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #965. As a girl name, it is ranked #5711. Adler is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Adler?
Adler is pronounced ADL-er.
How popular is the name Adler?
Adler is currently ranked #965 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Adler?
Common nicknames for Adler include Ad.
What are good middle names for Adler?
Popular middle name pairings include Adler James, Adler Cole, Adler Grey, Adler Flynn, Adler Reed, and Adler Nash.
What are good sibling names for Adler?
Names that pair well with Adler as siblings include Beckham, Marlowe, Steele, Fallon, Sloane, Wilder, and Vesper.
How many syllables does Adler have?
Adler has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Adler a common or rare name?
Adler is moderately common, ranked #965 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Adler
Adler is a boy name with German, Jewish, American, and Austrian origins . The name means "eagle" in Old High German .
Is Adler a boy or girl name? Adler is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #965 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #5,711. Adler is more commonly used as a boy name.
Adler is currently ranked #965 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Adler has 2 syllables and is pronounced ADL-er, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Adler include Ad. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Adler include Adley . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.