Adeline: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Adeline mean and stand for?

Meaning:

French: Noble and kind
German: Noble

Gender: Female

Syllables: 3

Pronunciation: The name Adeline is pronounced ad-uh-leen or ad-uh-line

The name Adeline has roots in French and German origins, meaning "noble" and "kind." It is derived from the Germanic name Adal, which also means "noble", as well as the French name Adele. Adeline is traditionally a feminine name and has been popular in various forms across Europe, enjoying a revival in recent years for its timeless, elegant appeal.

Girl name variations

Adeline in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Adeline Kane from DC Comics - A former military officer and the ex-wife of Deathstroke.
Adeline Mosley from The Age of Adaline - A unique woman who stops aging after an accident.
Adeline Reilly from Haunting Adeline - A central character in this spicy book series, entangled in a suspenseful and dark plot.
Adeline Schmidt from Sweet Adeline - A character in this romantic drama set in the 1920s, showcasing her strength and resilience amidst trials.

Popularity of the Name Adeline

According to the Social Security Administration, the name Adeline has seen a resurgence in popularity, becoming a favorite among new parents. Adeline has been climbing the charts in recent years, reflecting a broader trend towards vintage names. This name brings with it an air of classic elegance and uniqueness, distinguishing it from more common names.

Adeline made its way to England and Norway in the 11th century and was very popular during the Middle Ages; however, it decreased in popularity during Victorian and Gothic times.

Historically, Adeline has been associated with several notable figures across various fields. In literature, Adeline Virginia Woolf, more commonly known as Virginia Woolf, is one of the most famous bearers of a variant of this name. She was an English writer considered one of the foremost modernists of the 20th century. The name has also found its way into popular culture through characters in media, such as in the novel Adeline's Dream by Linda Aksomitis, signifying its timeless appeal and versatility.

Adeline also reappeared on the map after the song "Sweet Adeline" topped the charts. While not many celebrities share this namesake, bestselling book The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue's main character is named Adeline, as well as the titular character in TikTok's favorite spicy series of books, Haunting Adeline and Hunting Adeline.