Adala: a female name of Germanic origin meaning "This name derives from the Old High German element “adal” (Ancient Germanic: *aþalaz; Old English: æthel), meaning “noble,” native German short form of names containing the name element “adal".It derives from the Germanic word "*aþalaz > adal > æthel > ADELA".
In Germanic tradition, Adala holds special significance as a feminine name representing This name derives from the Old High German element “adal” (Ancient Germanic: *aþalaz; Old English: æthel), meaning “noble,” native German short form of names containing the name element “adal. This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Germanic culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.
Quick Facts About Adala
Quick facts about Adala
Origin
Germanic
Gender
Girl name
Popularity
Moderately 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 Old High German element “adal” (Ancient Germanic: *aþalaz; Old English: æthel), meaning “noble,” native German short form of names containing the name element “adal.” The name is also directly linked to the names Adelaide, Adelheid, Adelaida. Saint Adela was one of two princesses, the daughters of Saint Dagobert II. Adela was married and had a child by her husband, Alberic. Alberic died within a few years of the marriage. Despite multiple marriage offers, she chose to take up holy orders. Saint Adelina († 1125) was a French Benedictine nun honored as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
*aþalaz > adal > æthel > ADELA
How to Pronounce Adala
Adala is pronounced /ˈæd.ə.lə/(English)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Ad-al-a
Say it like: "AD-AL-A"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
This name has found popularity across swedish, finnish, and dutch speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.
swedishfinnishdutch
Name Relationships
Adala is a variant form of Adela, developed through regional pronunciation differences and linguistic evolution. This variation preserves the essential meaning while offering a unique sound.
Adala means "This name derives from the Old High German element “adal” (Ancient Germanic: *aþalaz; Old English: æthel), meaning “noble,” native German short form of names containing the name element “adal.” The name is also directly linked to the names Adelaide, Adelheid, Adelaida. Saint Adela was one of two princesses, the daughters of Saint Dagobert II. Adela was married and had a child by her husband, Alberic. Alberic died within a few years of the marriage. Despite multiple marriage offers, she chose to take up holy orders. Saint Adelina († 1125) was a French Benedictine nun honored as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church.". The name comes from *aþalaz > adal > æthel > ADELA. This germanic name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Adala for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Old High German element “adal” (Ancient Germanic: *aþalaz; Old English: æthel), meaning “noble,” native German short form of names containing the name element “adal.” The name is also directly linked to the names Adelaide, Adelheid, Adelaida. Saint Adela was one of two princesses, the daughters of Saint Dagobert II. Adela was married and had a child by her husband, Alberic. Alberic died within a few years of the marriage. Despite multiple marriage offers, she chose to take up holy orders. Saint Adelina († 1125) was a French Benedictine nun honored as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Adala's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Adala?
Adala is a germanic name. The name traces back to *aþalaz > adal > æthel > ADELA. From its germanic roots, Adala spread to become common in swedish, finnish, dutch. The germanic meaning "This name derives from the Old High German element “adal” (Ancient Germanic: *aþalaz; Old English: æthel), meaning “noble,” native German short form of names containing the name element “adal.” The name is also directly linked to the names Adelaide, Adelheid, Adelaida. Saint Adela was one of two princesses, the daughters of Saint Dagobert II. Adela was married and had a child by her husband, Alberic. Alberic died within a few years of the marriage. Despite multiple marriage offers, she chose to take up holy orders. Saint Adelina († 1125) was a French Benedictine nun honored as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared. Adala developed as a form of Adela, adapting over time while keeping its connection to the original name.
Is Adala a boy or girl name?
Adala is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In germanic tradition, Adala has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Old High German element “adal” (Ancient Germanic: *aþalaz; Old English: æthel), meaning “noble,” native German short form of names containing the name element “adal.” The name is also directly linked to the names Adelaide, Adelheid, Adelaida. Saint Adela was one of two princesses, the daughters of Saint Dagobert II. Adela was married and had a child by her husband, Alberic. Alberic died within a few years of the marriage. Despite multiple marriage offers, she chose to take up holy orders. Saint Adelina († 1125) was a French Benedictine nun honored as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Adala?
Adala is pronounced "/ˈæd.ə.lə/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Adala is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in swedish, finnish, dutch, 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 germanic names, listening to a native speaker say Adala can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis.
How popular is the name Adala?
Adala is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Adala offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Adala's popularity may vary between germanic communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Old High German element “adal” (Ancient Germanic: *aþalaz; Old English: æthel), meaning “noble,” native German short form of names containing the name element “adal.” The name is also directly linked to the names Adelaide, Adelheid, Adelaida. Saint Adela was one of two princesses, the daughters of Saint Dagobert II. Adela was married and had a child by her husband, Alberic. Alberic died within a few years of the marriage. Despite multiple marriage offers, she chose to take up holy orders. Saint Adelina († 1125) was a French Benedictine nun honored as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Adala holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
What are variations of the name Adala?
Adala is a form of Adela. Over time, Adela developed into several variations, with Adala emerging as a distinct form used in certain regions or languages. In germanic tradition, these variations allow the core name to work across different contexts while maintaining its character. All variations preserve the meaning "This name derives from the Old High German element “adal” (Ancient Germanic: *aþalaz; Old English: æthel), meaning “noble,” native German short form of names containing the name element “adal.” The name is also directly linked to the names Adelaide, Adelheid, Adelaida. Saint Adela was one of two princesses, the daughters of Saint Dagobert II. Adela was married and had a child by her husband, Alberic. Alberic died within a few years of the marriage. Despite multiple marriage offers, she chose to take up holy orders. Saint Adelina († 1125) was a French Benedictine nun honored as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church.", so choosing between them comes down to sound preference and cultural fit rather than different meanings. Parents drawn to Adala might also consider these related forms, especially if they want options for siblings or prefer a more traditional or modern feel. In swedish and finnish, Adala may be more or less common than its variations, depending on local naming customs.
Where is the name Adala commonly used?
Adala is common in swedish and finnish and dutch naming traditions. Though germanic in origin, Adala found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Adala, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Old High German element “adal” (Ancient Germanic: *aþalaz; Old English: æthel), meaning “noble,” native German short form of names containing the name element “adal.” The name is also directly linked to the names Adelaide, Adelheid, Adelaida. Saint Adela was one of two princesses, the daughters of Saint Dagobert II. Adela was married and had a child by her husband, Alberic. Alberic died within a few years of the marriage. Despite multiple marriage offers, she chose to take up holy orders. Saint Adelina († 1125) was a French Benedictine nun honored as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Adala into their naming traditions. A child named Adala 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, Adala is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.