Adeline is a unique and captivating female given name of French origin. It is derived from the French word "adelin," which is a diminutive form of the Germanic name Adalheidis. This name has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages.
The name Adaline is believed to have been introduced into France during the medieval period by way of the Normans, who brought it with them from their ancestral home in Germany. Over time, the name evolved and became more widely used in French-speaking regions. Today, it is still popular among Francophone communities around the world.
The meaning of Adeline varies depending on its derivation. If traced back to its Germanic roots, the name may be interpreted as "noble" or "noble kind." However, some sources suggest that Adeline means "tender" or "soft," likely referring to the diminutive suffix "-in."
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Adeline. One of the most famous is Adélaïde of France (1732-1800), a daughter of Louis XV and wife of the Duke of Orleans. Another prominent Adeline was Adeline Yen Mah, a Chinese-born author known for her memoir "Falling Leaves: The Most Intimate Portrait of Chinese Women in the Twentieth Century."
Adeline is an elegant and distinctive name with deep roots in French history. It offers parents who choose this name for their daughter the opportunity to give her a unique identity while also connecting her to a rich cultural heritage.
The name Adeline has a fascinating history when it comes to its usage in the United States, as evidenced by these statistics.
Starting from the late 19th century, there were fewer than 20 births with the name Adeline each year between 1880 and 1903. However, there was a notable increase in popularity during the early 20th century, with over 20 births recorded annually between 1904 and 1917.
The peak of Adeline's popularity in the U.S. occurred between 1918 and 1923, with over 30 births each year. This period saw a significant rise in the name's usage compared to previous decades.
However, this popularity was short-lived, as the number of annual births with the name Adeline began to decline after 1923. The statistics show that between 1924 and 1967, there were fewer than 20 births each year with this name.
Interestingly, there seems to be a resurgence in the usage of Adeline as a baby girl's name since the 1980s. Between 1981 and 1991, there were over five births each year with the name Adeline. This demonstrates that while Adeline may not have maintained consistent popularity throughout its history in the U.S., it continues to be chosen as a baby girl's name by parents today.
In total, there have been 1177 recorded births of girls named Adeline in the United States since these records began. These statistics provide insight into the fluctuating popularity of the name Adeline over time and highlight its enduring appeal as a baby girl's name.