Adelyn is a unique and charming name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. The name is derived from the Old English elements "adel" meaning noble or aristocratic, and "wyf" which translates to woman. Therefore, Adelyn literally means "noblewoman."
The use of the name Adelyn can be traced back to medieval times when it was used as a name for women in England. However, it was not particularly common during this period, and its usage has varied throughout history.
In the 20th century, Adelyn began to appear more frequently in English-speaking countries, but it remained relatively rare until recent years. Today, Adelyn is considered an alternative spelling of the more popular name Adele, which shares the same meaning and origin.
Despite its recent increase in popularity, Adelyn still remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents looking for something different yet meaningful for their daughter. Its strong connection to English history and noble origins makes it an appealing option for those interested in names with historical significance.
The name Adelyn experienced a significant increase in popularity from the late 20th century onwards, with a notable spike starting around the year 2000. Between 1899 and 1946, there were fewer than ten births per year, indicating that Adelyn was not commonly used as a name during this period. However, beginning in 1990, there was a steady rise in the number of girls named Adelyn, with a significant jump to 42 births in 1990.
From 1998 onwards, the popularity of the name Adelyn grew rapidly, reaching triple-digit figures by the year 2000. The peak of its popularity was reached in 2013, with 1674 births that year. Since then, the number of girls named Adelyn has slowly decreased but remains relatively high compared to the earlier periods, suggesting that Adelyn continues to be a popular name choice for parents even today. In total, from 1899 to 2023, there have been 21,773 births with the name Adelyn recorded.