Adelaide: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced AD-uh-layd · 3 syllables
Adelaide means “noble; nature, character”, from Germanic and French.
Borrowed from French Adelaide, from Old High German Adalheid (from adal (“noble”) + heit (“nature, character”)), modern German Adelheid; doublet of Alice.
- Meaning
- noble; nature, character
- Origin
- Germanic, French
- Pronunciation
- AD-uh-layd
- US rank (2025)
- #289
- US babies a year
- about 1,129 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1890
- Style
- Vintage, Comeback
- Nicknames
- Addie, Della
How popular is Adelaide?
Adelaide was the #289 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,062 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1890.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #289 |
| England & Wales | #486 |
| Scotland | #544 |
| France | #338 |
| Canada | #260 |
| Australia | #209 |
How old are people named Adelaide?
Half of US adults named Adelaide are older than 26; most are between 18 and 86. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Adelaide
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
- Adeline
- Magnolia
- Clementine
- Belle
- Matilda
- Frida
- Ella
- Isabelle
- Eveline
- Leonie
- Mathilde
- Evelina
- Eleonore
- Emmie
- Zora
- Zadie
On these lists
Questions about Adelaide
What does the name Adelaide mean?
Adelaide means “noble; nature, character”. It comes from Germanic and French.
How do you pronounce Adelaide?
Adelaide is pronounced AD-uh-layd.
How popular is the name Adelaide?
Adelaide was the #289 name in the US in 2025, given to 1,062 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1890.
How old are people named Adelaide?
Half of US adults named Adelaide are older than 26. Most are between 18 and 86.