Adaline is a unique and beautiful feminine given name of Greek origin. It means "noble" or "of noble birth," which makes it a perfect choice for parents who want to bestow their daughter with a strong and regal moniker. The name Adaline is composed of two elements: "ada," meaning "noble," and "-line," denoting descent or lineage.
The earliest record of the name Adaline can be traced back to medieval England, where it was used as a variation of the more common name Adelaide. In fact, both names share the same Greek roots and have similar meanings. However, while Adelaide has remained quite popular throughout history, Adaline has only recently started gaining traction as an independent given name.
Adaline's popularity can be attributed to its unique sound and the allure of its regal meaning. It is also sometimes associated with the Adeline brand of perfume, which may contribute to its growing recognition. While still relatively uncommon, Adaline has been steadily increasing in usage since the late 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
In literature, one notable appearance of the name Adaline is in the novel "The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton. The main character, Archer, becomes infatuated with a woman named Adeline Patch, whom he meets at a party. This portrayal may have helped to further cement Adaline's place in popular culture.
In conclusion, Adaline is a rare and elegant feminine given name of Greek origin that signifies nobility or noble birth. Its roots can be traced back to medieval England, where it was used as a variation of Adelaide. Despite its relative obscurity compared to other regal-sounding names like Elizabeth or Victoria, Adaline has been steadily gaining popularity in recent decades, thanks in part to its unique sound and powerful meaning.
The name Adaline has seen significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a total of 15,736 babies named Adaline born between 1880 and 2023. The name's usage peaked in recent years, particularly from 2004 onwards, with numbers ranging from 51 to 1,880 births per year. However, prior to the late 1990s, Adaline was quite uncommon, with fewer than 10 births recorded each year for most of the 20th century.