Adelaide is a feminine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the name Adalheid or Adalhaid. The name consists of two elements: "adal," which means "noble" in Old German, and "haid," which signifies "battle" or "struggle." Therefore, Adelaide can be interpreted as "noble battle" or "noble struggle."
The use of the name Adelaide dates back to the Middle Ages. It was popular among the royal families of Europe during this period. One notable historical figure with this name is Adelaide of Saxony (970-1036), who became the queen consort of Italy and later the Holy Roman Empress. She was known for her piety and charitable works, which contributed to the positive connotations associated with the name Adelaide.
Over time, Adelaide has evolved as a name and is now more commonly associated with certain regions and cultures. In Australia, for instance, Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia, named after Queen Adelaide, the consort of King William IV. Consequently, the name Adelaide enjoys popularity in Australia and has become synonymous with that country's culture.
In terms of its usage today, Adelaide remains a classic and elegant name choice. It has been used consistently throughout history and continues to be popular among parents seeking timeless names for their daughters. While it may not be as commonly used as some other feminine names, those who bear the name Adelaide often find that it carries a certain charm and uniqueness that sets them apart.
In summary, Adelaide is a Germanic-derived given name with a meaning that signifies nobility and struggle. With a rich historical background and enduring popularity in certain regions like Australia, this elegant name offers parents an attractive choice for their daughters.
The statistic provided shows the number of babies named Adelaide born annually in the United States from 1880 to 2023. The name's popularity has varied significantly over time.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name Adelaide was quite popular, with over 100 births per year consistently from 1891 onwards. It peaked in 1915 with 502 births, a significant increase compared to previous years. This popularity persisted until the late 1920s, after which it began to decline.
From the 1930s to the 1960s, the name Adelaide was much less common, with fewer than 100 births per year on average. The lowest point in this period was reached in 1944, with only 75 births.
The trend continued into the 1970s and 1980s, with the number of babies named Adelaide remaining relatively low, ranging from single digits to around 30 per year. It wasn't until the late 1980s that the popularity of the name began to increase again.
In the 1990s, there was a steady rise in the number of babies named Adelaide, with over 100 births annually by the end of the decade. This upward trend continued into the 21st century, reaching a new peak in 2021 with 1189 births.
Overall, the name Adelaide has experienced periods of high popularity and low popularity throughout history. However, it is clear that since the late 1990s, there has been a resurgence in its usage as a baby girl's name in the United States.