Declining since 2012, #751 for girls today.
Popularity of Adele since 1880
Babies named Adele per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 748 |
| 1890s | 1,498 |
| 1900s | 1,881 |
| 1910s | 6,880 |
| 1920s | 7,660 |
| 1930s | 4,076 |
| 1940s | 3,763 |
| 1950s | 3,863 |
| 1960s | 1,892 |
| 1970s | 1,006 |
| 1980s | 846 |
| 1990s | 870 |
| 2000s | 1,281 |
| 2010s | 4,021 |
| 2020s | 2,077 |
Meaning & origin
Adele is a name of Germanic origin meaning 'noble', borne by the famous singer Adele, though the name has deep historical roots. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1880 and experienced its peak popularity in 1914, when it was given to many girls. After declining for decades, it saw a resurgence in the late 2000s and early 2010s, but has been falling in use since 2012. In the 1910s, it was especially common in New York, Illinois, and New Jersey. As of 2025, it ranks 751, with about 1 in every 4,440 newborn girls receiving the name. The name's classic yet simple sound keeps it in steady use, appealing to parents who favor traditional names with a touch of elegance.
Adele is derived from the Germanic element adal, meaning 'noble'. It was introduced to England by the Normans and has been used in various forms across Europe, including the French Adèle. The name saw particular popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Where Adele is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Adele” around the world
Where Adele lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
#14
in 2024
Quebec
#28
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Addie, Della
Variants: Adèle, Adela
Sibling names for Adele
Names that share Adele's style, for a brother or sister.
