"eagle"
Origin: Old High German
Language: German
Adler
Pronunciation: [ ADL-er ]
Does Adler flow with your last name?
German for eagle — soaring, strong, and distinguished
German
Jewish
American
Austrian
Strong
Vintage
Bold
Sophisticated
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Meaning & Origin
"noble eagle (adal + aro)"
Origin: Germanic
Language: German
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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.
Historical Record
Adler first appeared in US Social Security records in 1985.
Over 3,483 babies have been named Adler in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Adler is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #965 for boy names in the US .
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)
Popularity Over Time
#965
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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
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See all →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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Adler
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Adler is also used as a girl name, ranked #5711.
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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 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.
What boy names are similar to Adler?
Are there other spellings for Adler?
Related spellings include Adley.
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.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis