The name Adalyn has its roots in the Germanic languages, originating from the Old English "Æthelwyn" or the Old German "Adalhwina". These names are composed of the elements "Athal" or "Adal", meaning "noble" or "noble birth", and "wyn" or "hwina", meaning "friend" or "dear one". The name essentially translates to "noble friend" or "dear noble one".

In the Middle Ages, the name took on various spellings, including "Adelina", "Adeline", and "Adaline", reflecting the cultural and linguistic influences of different regions. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name is found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where an Englishwoman named "Adelina" is mentioned as a landowner.

During the medieval period, the name was particularly popular among the nobility and aristocracy, with several notable women bearing the name. One of the most famous was Adeline of Blois (c. 1070-1137), the daughter of Stephen II, Count of Blois, who married King Stephen of England and played a significant role in the disputes surrounding the English succession.

In the 13th century, Adeline of Burgundy (c. 1233-1273) was a French noblewoman and the wife of Henry III, Duke of Brabant. She is known for her involvement in the political affairs of the Duchy of Brabant and for founding several religious institutions.

The name also found its way into literature and folklore. In the 14th century, the French poet Guillaume de Machaut wrote a poem titled "La Fontaine Amoureuse", featuring a character named Adeline. Additionally, the name appears in the medieval French romance "The Romance of the Rose", written by Guillaume de Lorris and Jean de Meun.

In more recent history, Adeline Genée (1878-1970) was a Danish ballet dancer and choreographer who achieved fame in the early 20th century. She is considered one of the most influential figures in the development of modern ballet technique.

Another notable figure was Adeline Virginia Woolf (1882-1941), the renowned British writer and one of the foremost modernist authors of the 20th century. Her works, such as "Mrs. Dalloway" and "To the Lighthouse", explored themes of consciousness and the subjective experience of reality.

While the spelling "Adalyn" is a more modern variation, the name has maintained its historical roots and cultural significance, reflecting a rich tapestry of linguistic and cultural influences.