Rooted in Old High German, the name carries a definition that parents have coveted for centuries. It is not merely a label, but an aspiration of character. Whether you are drawn to it for its melodious rhythm or its strength, Adaline offers a timeless elegance that refuses to go out of style.
Verdict: Adaline is a brilliant choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the vintage charm of “Adeline” but with a distinct spelling that encourages the classic long “I” pronunciation, separating your child from the sea of “Addie” names ending in “-lyn.”
Adaline Overview
- Meaning: Adaline means ‘Noble’ or ‘Coming from nobility.’
- Gender: Adaline is a predominantly female name.
- Origin: Adaline comes from the Old High German word for ‘Noble.’ It also derives from a similar Anglo-Saxon word with the same meaning.
- Pronunciation: “A-DA-line”
- Popularity: Adaline is a popular girl’s name and ranks 289 out of 500.
- Nicknames: Ada, Addy, Dell, Delia, Dellie.
- Variations: Ada, Adeline, Adèle, Alina, Alita Zéllie.
- Namesakes: Adaline, Adaline Glasheen, Adaline Kent, Adaline Shephard, Adaline Emmerson Thompson.
What Does Adaline Mean?
At its core, the name Adaline means “noble” or “of noble kind.”
However, this definition goes beyond social rank or aristocracy. In the context of ancient naming traditions, “nobility” referred to a nobility of spirit, possessing high moral character, generosity, and strength. It suggests a person who is distinguished not just by birth, but by behavior. It is an elegant, feminine name that conveys dignity, boldness, and a touch of grace.
Where Does the Name Adaline Come From?
Adaline comes from the Old High German word adal, which specifically translates to “noble” (1).
Historically, it is a diminutive of the French name Adèle, which itself is derived from the ancient Germanic name Adala. The root word adal was a foundational element in many Germanic names (such as Adelaide and Albert).
The concept of “noble” was so vital in naming that the word was borrowed into Swedish and, at approximately the same time, into Old English. The Old English equivalent of ‘Adel’ or ‘Adal’ was ‘Æþel’ (2). Æþel was a prefix that, like the German, meant noble but could be affixed to many different names to provide nobility. A similar Old English word, ‘Æðeling’ was also used to convey noble origins for certain people, like Aethelred the Unready (3).
While the spelling “Adeline” was introduced to England by the Normans in the 11th century, “Adaline” is a slightly later phonetic variation that gained traction particularly in America during the 19th century.
How Popular is the Name Adaline?
Adaline is currently a well-loved choice that sits comfortably in the “popular but not ubiquitous” category. At present, it ranks 289 out of the top 500 girls’ names (4).
The trajectory of Adaline is a fascinating study in pop-culture influence. The name was a staple in the early 20th century, peaking around 1924, before beginning a long, slow decline into obscurity. For decades, it was considered an “old lady name.”
However, the name experienced a massive resurgence starting in 2015. This skyrocketing interest is almost entirely attributable to the release of the film The Age of Adaline (5), starring Blake Lively. The film reintroduced the name as something romantic, magical, and timeless.
It is worth noting that Adaline is the less common spelling compared to Adeline, which generally ranks much higher (often in the top 100). This makes Adaline the perfect choice for parents who want the sound of a hit name but with a distinctive written flair.
How Do I Pronounce Adaline?
The most accepted pronunciation is “ADD-uh-line.”
* ADD: Rhymes with “dad.”
* uh: A soft schwa sound.
* line: Rhymes with “fine” or “pine.”
Note on Pronunciation: This spelling is useful for parents who want to ensure the long “I” sound. The spelling “Adeline” is occasionally pronounced as “ADD-uh-leen” or “ADD-uh-lyn” depending on the region, but “Adaline” almost universally commands the “line” pronunciation.
Is Adaline a Boy or Girl Name?
Adaline is strictly a girl’s name. While the root adal appears in male names like Albert or Adalbert, the suffix -ine marks this specifically as a feminine given name.
Variations of Adaline
Because this name has traveled through German, French, and English history, it has spawned many beautiful variations:
- Adeline (French, English) – The most common spelling.
- Adèle (French) – The chic, shortened precursor.
- Adelina (Spanish, Italian, Portuguese) – A lyrical, romantic variation.
- Ada (German, English) – A punchy, vintage short form.
- Alina (Slavic, German) – A streamlined, modern sounding variant.
- Aline (French) – Pronounced “ah-LEEN.”
- Zélie (French) – A rare diminutive of Azélie, often associated with Adèle.
- Adalynn / Adalyn (American Modern) – Changes the pronunciation to rhyme with “in.”
Nicknames for Adaline
Adaline’s three syllables offer a playground for nicknames. While “Addie” is the obvious choice, there are several more distinct options:
Common Nicknames:
- Addie: Sweet and spirited.
- Ada: sophisticated and vintage.
- Lina: A European-style ending.
Creative & Rare Nicknames:
- Della: A spunky, Southern-charm option derived from the middle syllable.
- Dalie: (Rhymes with Bailey) A unique floral-sounding twist.
- Lady: A playful anagram of the letters in Adaline.
- Ali: A sporty, energetic option.
Names Similar to Adaline
If you love the “vibe” of Adaline, vintage, vowel-heavy, and elegant, but aren’t fully committed, consider these alternatives:
- Adelaide: Shares the “Noble” root but feels slightly more Victorian and regal.
- Caroline: A classic that shares the crisp “-line” ending and remains timeless.
- Emmeline: A suffragette-era name that offers the same vintage strength.
- Rosaline: Offers the romantic Shakespearean flair with a similar rhythm.
- Genevieve: A French classic that matches Adaline in sophistication and length.
- Eloise: Shares the vintage charm and French connection.
- Lydia: A biblical name that feels just as delicate and fluid.
- Clara: A shorter, punchier vintage name that pairs well with the same aesthetic.
Middle Names for Adaline
Adaline is a versatile name that pairs well with short, punchy middle names to balance its three syllables.
Classic & Timeless
These pairings lean into the vintage history of the name.
- Adaline Rose
- Adaline Grace
- Adaline Claire
- Adaline Jane
- Adaline Pearl
Modern & Spunky
These middle names add a contemporary edge to the soft first name.
- Adaline Quinn
- Adaline Sage
- Adaline Blair
- Adaline Wren
- Adaline Sloane
Whimsical & Romantic
For a name that feels like a fairytale character.
- Adaline Faye
- Adaline June
- Adaline Ivy
- Adaline Violet
- Adaline Willow
Sibling Names for Adaline
Building a sibset around Adaline usually means looking for names that are “vintage revivals”, names that were popular in the 1920s but feel fresh today.
For a Brother
- Jasper: Rugged but gentlemanly.
- Theodore: Classic, with great nicknames like Theo or Teddy.
- Silas: A soft-spoken biblical name with history.
- Arthur: Noble and legendary.
- Felix: Energetic and vintage.
- Oliver: Popular and traditionally pairs well.
- Henry: The ultimate timeless classic.
For a Sister
- Cecilia: Musical and saintly.
- Eloise: French and spirited.
- Florence: Vintage floral with a modern edge.
- Beatrice: A sturdy, happy name.
- Hazel: Earthy and currently very stylish.
- Stella: Means “star” and matches the Hollywood vibe.
- Elise: A shorter French cousin to Adaline.
Famous People Named Adaline
While Adeline is common in history, the spelling Adaline has graced several notable women who left their mark on the arts and activism:
- Adaline: A contemporary Canadian singer-songwriter known for her atmospheric pop music.
- Adaline Weston Couzins: A fierce American suffragist and Civil War nurse who fought for women’s rights in the 19th century.
- Adaline Kent: An innovative American sculptor and artist associated with the modernist movement.
- Adaline Shepherd: An American composer of ragtime music, famous for her “Pickles and Peppers” rag.
Adaline in Pop Culture
The name Adaline is now inextricably linked to cinema and literature, giving it a slightly magical aura.
- Adaline Bowman: The protagonist portrayed by Blake Lively in the romantic fantasy film The Age of Adaline (2015). This character is largely responsible for the name’s modern revival.
- Addie LaRue: While technically named Adeline, the titular character of V.E. Schwab’s best-selling novel The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue shares the same nicknames and “immortal” vibe often associated with the name in pop culture.
FAQs About the Name Adaline
How Do You Spell Adaline?
While Adaline is the spelling that ensures the “line” pronunciation, the most historically common spelling is Adeline. Other modern variations include Adalyn, Adalynn, and Adelyn, though these often change the pronunciation of the final syllable to rhyme with “tin.”
Is ‘The Age of Adaline’ Based on a Book?
No, the movie The Age of Adaline was an original screenplay written by J. Mills Goodloe and Salvador Paskowitz. It was not based on a pre-existing novel, though the story’s rich narrative has led many to believe it was adapted from literature.
Are ‘The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue’ and ‘The Age of Adaline’ the Same?
They are distinct stories, though they share thematic DNA. Both feature a woman named Adaline (or Adeline) who lives for centuries without aging. However, The Age of Adaline focuses on a scientific accident and romance, while The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue focuses on a Faustian bargain where the protagonist lives forever but is forgotten by everyone she meets.
Is Adaline a Rare Name?
Adaline is in the “sweet spot” of rarity. While it is in the top 300 names in the US, it is significantly rarer than the spelling “Adeline” or the similar-sounding “Adalyn.” You are likely to have heard the name, but your child would likely be the only Adaline (spelled this way) in her kindergarten class.
Is Adaline a Biblical Name?
No, the name Adaline does not appear in the Bible. However, due to its meaning “Noble,” it is often embraced by Christian families who value the concept of spiritual nobility and virtue. It shares linguistic roots with the biblical name Ada (one of the first female names mentioned in Genesis), which means “adornment.”
