Rising since 1991, #987 for girls today.
Popularity of Adalee since 1915
Babies named Adalee per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 20 |
| 1920s | 35 |
| 1930s | 14 |
| 1940s | 7 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 38 |
| 2000s | 367 |
| 2010s | 2,157 |
| 2020s | 2,093 |
Meaning & origin
Adalee is a modern American coinage that began appearing in records around 1915, but it wasn't until the late 20th century that the name began its climb in popularity. Its rise since 1991 reflects a broader trend toward compound names and soft 'lee' endings. The name reached its peak in 2022, and in 2025 it ranks 987th nationally, with a frequency of about 1 in 6,278 girls. Adalee is most popular in states like Idaho, Kentucky, and Iowa, suggesting regional appeal. Though its origins are uncertain, the name blends familiar sounds from Ada and Lee, giving it a gentle, approachable feel suitable for contemporary families seeking a name that feels both fresh and grounded.
Adalee is a 20th-century coinage, likely formed by blending the popular name Ada (from the Germanic element adal, meaning 'noble') with the common suffix -lee or the name Lee (from Old English leah, 'clearing, meadow'). It may also be a respelling of Adely or a diminutive of Adeline. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1915 but remained rare until the late 20th century, gaining traction as part of the trend for compound and surname-style names for girls.
Where Adalee is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ada, Addie, Lee, Lia
Sibling names for Adalee
Names that share Adalee's style, for a brother or sister.
