The name Adelina is derived from the Germanic name Adalheidis, which is composed of the elements "adal" meaning noble and "heid" meaning type or kind. It emerged in the Middle Ages and was particularly popular in Italy and Spain.

The name Adelina can be traced back to the 9th century when it was first recorded in medieval documents. It is a feminine form of the German name Adalbert, which was borne by several historical figures, including a 7th-century saint and a 10th-century king of Italy.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name Adelina was Adelina of Toulouse, a 12th-century noblewoman who was the wife of King Roger II of Sicily. Another notable historical figure with this name was Adelina Patti, an Italian opera singer who lived from 1843 to 1919 and was renowned for her bel canto technique.

In the 13th century, the name Adelina appeared in the works of the Italian poet Dante Alighieri, who mentioned a character named Adelina in his epic poem "Divine Comedy". This literary reference likely contributed to the name's popularity in Italy during the Renaissance period.

Other famous individuals named Adelina include Adelina Sotnikova, a Russian figure skater who won the gold medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics, and Adelina Ismaili, an Albanian singer and songwriter who has represented her country at the Eurovision Song Contest.

During the 19th century, the name Adelina gained popularity in various European countries, including Germany, France, and England. Notable bearers from this period include Adelina Patti, an Italian opera singer who lived from 1843 to 1919, and Adelina Stortini, an Italian painter who was active in the early 20th century.