A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Adelita since 1924
Babies named Adelita per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1961, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Adelita's real moment was 1974.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 19 |
| 1930s | 61 |
| 1940s | 174 |
| 1950s | 270 |
| 1960s | 302 |
| 1970s | 292 |
| 1980s | 184 |
| 1990s | 145 |
| 2000s | 101 |
| 2010s | 177 |
| 2020s | 175 |
Meaning & origin
Adelita has been in use in the United States since at least 1924, with a notable peak in popularity in 1974. After a period of decline, it has been rising again since 2008. The name is most common in Texas and California, reflecting its strong ties to Mexican-American heritage. In 2025, it ranked 4,758, with about 1 in every 57,402 baby girls receiving the name. Its enduring appeal lies in its melodic sound and cultural resonance, particularly through the iconic figure of the soldadera from the Mexican Revolution.
Adelita is a Spanish diminutive of Adela, which derives from the Germanic element 'adal' meaning 'noble'. It gained prominence as a name associated with the Mexican Revolution, particularly through the folk song 'La Adelita', which celebrated a soldadera (female soldier). The name has since been used across Spanish-speaking communities, especially in Mexico and the southwestern United States.
Where Adelita is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ada, Lita, Adela
Sibling names for Adelita
Names that share Adelita's style, for a brother or sister.
