Holding steady, #4,707 for boys today.
Popularity of Adel since 1888
Babies named Adel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 | 0 |
| 1890s | 31 | 0 |
| 1900s | 50 | 0 |
| 1910s | 170 | 10 |
| 1920s | 194 | 6 |
| 1930s | 117 | 11 |
| 1940s | 88 | 5 |
| 1950s | 110 | 0 |
| 1960s | 72 | 24 |
| 1970s | 76 | 43 |
| 1980s | 77 | 149 |
| 1990s | 56 | 283 |
| 2000s | 127 | 392 |
| 2010s | 184 | 388 |
| 2020s | 137 | 197 |
Meaning & origin
Adel is a name with deep roots in the Arabic word for justice, reflecting a value highly esteemed across many cultures. In the United States, its usage has been modest but steady since first appearing in Social Security records in 1914. The name reached its highest point of popularity in 2007, though it remains a relatively uncommon choice. Over the past decade, its trajectory has been stable, neither surging nor declining significantly. While Adel does not appear in the top baby names for any particular state, its consistent presence across decades speaks to its enduring appeal among families who value its ethical meaning and simple, multicultural sound.
Adel is an Arabic name derived from the root 'adl (عدل), meaning justice or fairness. It is a common masculine given name across the Arabic-speaking world and Muslim-majority countries, often chosen for its virtuous connotations. The name also appears as a unisex option in some cultures, although it is predominantly male.
“Adel” around the world
Where Adel lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
210
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Addy, Dell
Sibling names for Adel
Names that share Adel's style, for a brother or sister.

