A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Adella since 1880
Babies named Adella per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1920, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Adella's real moment was 1880.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 192 |
| 1890s | 263 |
| 1900s | 308 |
| 1910s | 915 |
| 1920s | 1,014 |
| 1930s | 524 |
| 1940s | 371 |
| 1950s | 350 |
| 1960s | 235 |
| 1970s | 162 |
| 1980s | 113 |
| 1990s | 116 |
| 2000s | 280 |
| 2010s | 747 |
| 2020s | 408 |
Meaning & origin
Adella is a girl's name first recorded in 1880, when it achieved its peak rank of 2607. As of 2025, its one-in-24353 rate indicates it remains relatively uncommon, but it has been on a gradual upward trajectory since 1986. The name was most popular in the 1880s and has seen a recent revival, particularly in states like California and Texas. Its etymology is debated, but it likely derives from Germanic roots meaning 'noble'. Adella offers a vintage feel with a soft, melodic sound.
Adella emerged in the 19th century as a diminutive or variant of names like Adele, Adeline, or Ada. It gained modest popularity in the 1880s, particularly in the United States, and has seen a revival since the 1980s. Its exact derivation is unclear, but it is typically grouped with Germanic names containing the element 'adal' meaning 'noble'.
Where Adella 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Addie, Della, Ella
Sibling names for Adella
Names that share Adella's style, for a brother or sister.
