Find out how popular the first name Adelai has been for the last 21 years (from 2003 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Adelai by gender

Based on the last 21 years of data, Adelai is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Adelai.

The history of the first name Adelai

The name Adelai is believed to have originated from the Greek language, with its roots traced back to the 5th century BC. It is derived from the Greek word "adelfi," which means "sister" or "female sibling." The name was likely used as a term of endearment or affection among Greek families.

In ancient Greek literature, there are references to characters with names similar to Adelai, such as Adelaida and Adelaides. These names were often given to women of noble or royal descent, as they symbolized a sense of sisterhood and kinship within the ruling elite.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Adelai can be found in the writings of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, who lived from 428 BC to 348 BC. In his work "The Republic," Plato mentions a character named Adelai, although the specific context is not entirely clear.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Adelai. One such figure was Adelai of Burgundy (1109-1190), a French noblewoman who served as the Countess of Vergy and played a significant role in the political affairs of her time.

Another prominent bearer of the name was Adelai of Louvain (1190-1212), who was a princess of the Duchy of Brabant and the wife of Henry I, Duke of Brabant. Her marriage helped strengthen diplomatic ties between the two noble houses.

In the realm of literature, the name Adelai was immortalized by the Italian poet Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) in his epic work "The Divine Comedy." One of the characters encountered in the poem is a woman named Adelai, though her precise role and significance are subject to scholarly debate.

During the Renaissance period, Adelai Soranzo (1465-1541) was a prominent Venetian noblewoman and patron of the arts. She was renowned for her patronage of artists and intellectuals, and her influence helped shape the cultural landscape of Venice during that time.

In more recent centuries, the name Adelai has been less prevalent, though there have been notable figures such as Adelai Neville (1675-1715), an English noblewoman and courtier during the reign of Queen Anne.

While the name Adelai has roots in ancient Greek culture and has been borne by individuals throughout history, it has become less common in modern times. However, its rich historical legacy and symbolic meaning of sisterhood and kinship continue to resonate with those who choose to carry this name.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Adelai was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Adelai, please contact us.

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