The allure of the name Adele: A quick & comprehensive guide
If the name Adele brings to mind soulful vocals and hit songs, you’re not alone. This melodious name has long been associated with grace and elegance, enjoying a resurgence thanks to English singer Adele.
But did you know that it also has historical depth and international flair? In this article, we’ll delve into the history, meaning, and cultural significance of the name Adele, exploring why it might just be the perfect name for your little one.
The name Adele: Origin and meaning
Adele originates from Germanic roots, featuring the element “adel,” meaning “noble.”
It’s a name that has been embraced by various cultures, leading to numerous variations like Adela, Adelia, Adella, Adelle, and Adelaide. In French-speaking countries, you’ll often see it spelled as Adèle.
Additionally, Adele serves as a shorter form for names like Adeline and Adelaide, offering a compact yet elegant alternative with similar etymological origins.
Notable people named Adele
- Adele (Singer-songwriter, born 1988): A British singer-songwriter known for hits like “Rolling in the Deep” and “Someone Like You.”
- Adele Astaire (Dancer and entertainer, born 1896): An American dancer and entertainer, the elder sister and dance partner of star Fred Astaire.
- Adele Haenel (Actress, born 1989): A French actress known for her work in films like “The Unknown Girl” and “Portrait of a Lady on Fire.”
In popular culture
The name Adele has not only been popularized by modern celebrities, but also appears in literature and music. One notable example is the character Adele in Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre,” who is the ward of Mr Rochester.
The name Adele has a noble ring to it and has been favored for its simple yet elegant aura. Whether you’re an aspiring singer or just someone who appreciates a classic name with a modern twist, Adele might be a name worth considering.
Popularity of this baby name
The name Adele saw a surge in popularity, particularly after the English singer Adele rose to fame in the late 2000s. Before then, the name was relatively uncommon, but has seen an increase in usage, especially in English-speaking countries.
How do you say Adele?
The name Adele is most commonly pronounced as “uh-DELL” in English, but it can also be pronounced as “A-DELL-eh” in other languages, like French.
However, when it comes to a certain pop megastar, those rules may not apply. In a 2022 Q&A session with fans, Adele said that the correct pronunciation of her name is “uh-dale,” emphasizing a long “A” sound on the second syllable.
An older history of the name Adele
Derived from the Teutonic Adilo, which also is the root of Adelaide, the name is one of the most ancient known to students.
The significance of the name is of the most heroic character and it was a favorite with the ruling house of the various German principalities as far back as the Tenth and Eleventh centuries.
The name in its earliest beginnings was very much the same in form and even spelling as it is today. Adela is probably the widest variation in the course of centuries.
The name was widely adopted in France, as well as in England and Italy under different forms from Adalaida to Adeline.
The jewel associated with persons bearing the name Adele is the turquoise. The turquoise is held to have peculiar properties of protecting the person wearing it from harm and warning them of approaching danger by breaking. Friday is Adele’s most fortunate day, and her lucky number is six.
