Adah

Girl Name
Origin:hebrew
Pronunciation:/ˈeɪ.də/

Adah: a female name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Āḏāh > ʿAda,” meaning “adornment". It derives from the Hebrew word "Āḏāh > ʿAda".

Parents seeking a meaningful feminine name often discover Adah, drawn to its Hebrew heritage and beautiful significance: "This name derives from the Hebrew “Āḏāh > ʿAda,” meaning “adornment". This name offers a perfect blend of cultural depth and personal meaning, making it a timeless choice for families around the world.

Quick Facts About Adah

Quick facts about Adah
OriginHebrew
GenderGirl name
PopularityModerately popular

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from the Hebrew “Āḏāh > ʿAda,” meaning “adornment.” 1) Adah was the first wife of Esau and the daughter of Elon the Hittite. She bore Esau’s firstborn Eliphaz and became the matriarch of the Edomites. 2) Adah was the first wife of Lamech and the mother of Jabal and Jubal.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

Āḏāh > ʿAda

Other Scripts

Hebrew (עָדָה)

How to Pronounce Adah

Adah is pronounced /ˈeɪ.də/(Hebrew)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Ad-ah
  2. Say it like: "AD-AH"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

This name has found popularity across english, swedish, and finnish speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.

englishswedishfinnish
Frequently Asked Questions About Adah
What does the name Adah mean?
Adah means "This name derives from the Hebrew “Āḏāh > ʿAda,” meaning “adornment.” 1) Adah was the first wife of Esau and the daughter of Elon the Hittite. She bore Esau’s firstborn Eliphaz and became the matriarch of the Edomites. 2) Adah was the first wife of Lamech and the mother of Jabal and Jubal.". The name comes from Āḏāh > ʿAda. In its original form, the name derives from ʿAda (עָדָה). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Adah for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Āḏāh > ʿAda,” meaning “adornment.” 1) Adah was the first wife of Esau and the daughter of Elon the Hittite. She bore Esau’s firstborn Eliphaz and became the matriarch of the Edomites. 2) Adah was the first wife of Lamech and the mother of Jabal and Jubal." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Adah's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Adah?
Adah is a hebrew name. The name traces back to Āḏāh > ʿAda. The original form ʿAda (עָדָה) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Adah is written as Hebrew (עָדָה). From its hebrew roots, Adah spread to become common in english, swedish, finnish. The hebrew meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Āḏāh > ʿAda,” meaning “adornment.” 1) Adah was the first wife of Esau and the daughter of Elon the Hittite. She bore Esau’s firstborn Eliphaz and became the matriarch of the Edomites. 2) Adah was the first wife of Lamech and the mother of Jabal and Jubal." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Adah a boy or girl name?
Adah is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In hebrew tradition, Adah has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Āḏāh > ʿAda,” meaning “adornment.” 1) Adah was the first wife of Esau and the daughter of Elon the Hittite. She bore Esau’s firstborn Eliphaz and became the matriarch of the Edomites. 2) Adah was the first wife of Lamech and the mother of Jabal and Jubal." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Adah?
Adah is pronounced "/ˈeɪ.də/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Hebrew (עָדָה), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Adah is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in english, swedish, finnish, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Adah can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root Āḏāh > ʿAda influences how Adah sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Adah?
Adah is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Adah offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Adah's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Āḏāh > ʿAda,” meaning “adornment.” 1) Adah was the first wife of Esau and the daughter of Elon the Hittite. She bore Esau’s firstborn Eliphaz and became the matriarch of the Edomites. 2) Adah was the first wife of Lamech and the mother of Jabal and Jubal." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Adah holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Adah commonly used?
Adah is common in english and swedish and finnish naming traditions. Though hebrew in origin, Adah found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Adah, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Āḏāh > ʿAda,” meaning “adornment.” 1) Adah was the first wife of Esau and the daughter of Elon the Hittite. She bore Esau’s firstborn Eliphaz and became the matriarch of the Edomites. 2) Adah was the first wife of Lamech and the mother of Jabal and Jubal." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Adah into their naming traditions. A child named Adah will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Adah is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Adah?
Adah carries associations with BIBLICAL. These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Āḏāh > ʿAda,” meaning “adornment.” 1) Adah was the first wife of Esau and the daughter of Elon the Hittite. She bore Esau’s firstborn Eliphaz and became the matriarch of the Edomites. 2) Adah was the first wife of Lamech and the mother of Jabal and Jubal." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In hebrew culture, where Adah originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Adah sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Adah often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In english communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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