Adelei first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Adelei has been for the last 17 years (from 2007 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Adelei

A feminine name of English origin meaning "noble natured".

Popularity of Adelei by gender

Based on the last 17 years of data, Adelei is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Adelei.

Year Male Count Female Count
2023 0 6
2021 0 9
2017 0 9
2016 0 5
2015 0 8
2014 0 12
2013 0 10
2012 0 13
2011 0 14
2010 0 10
2009 0 7
2008 0 10
2007 0 5

The history of the first name Adelei

The name Adelei has its origins tracing back to ancient Greece, derived from the Greek word "adelos," which means "unseen" or "obscure." It was a name given to children in the hopes that they would be protected from the evil eye or malevolent forces that could harm them if they were too visible or celebrated.

In the 5th century BC, the name Adelei appears in records from the city-state of Athens, where it was a relatively uncommon name bestowed upon both males and females. One of the earliest known individuals with this name was Adelei of Corinth, a respected philosopher who lived around 450 BC and wrote treatises on the nature of knowledge and ethics.

As Greek culture spread throughout the Mediterranean region, the name Adelei also made its way into other languages and cultures. In ancient Rome, the name was Latinized to "Adeleia," and there are records of a few Roman citizens bearing this name during the Imperial period.

One of the most notable historical figures named Adelei was Adelei of Palmyra, a influential priestess and advisor to Queen Zenobia, who ruled the Palmyrene Empire in the 3rd century AD. Adelei played a crucial role in the religious and political affairs of the empire, and her wisdom and counsel were highly valued by the queen.

During the Middle Ages, the name Adelei saw a resurgence in parts of Europe, particularly in regions with strong Greek cultural influences, such as Italy and southern France. In the 12th century, there was a renowned Italian poet and scholar named Adelei da Modena, whose works explored themes of love, philosophy, and the natural world.

Another notable figure with the name Adelei was Adelei of Saxony, a German noblewoman who lived in the 14th century. She was known for her patronage of the arts and her support for the construction of several churches and monasteries in the region.

Over the centuries, the name Adelei has remained relatively uncommon, but it has been carried by various individuals across different cultures and regions. From ancient philosophers to medieval noblewomen, the name has been imbued with a sense of mystery and intrigue, reflecting its origins as a protective name meant to shield its bearers from harm.

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 Adelei was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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"Adelei first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 29, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/adelei-meaning-and-history/.

"Adelei first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/adelei-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 29 June, 2025

Adelei first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/adelei-meaning-and-history/.

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