The name Adella originated from the Germanic languages, with its roots tracing back to the 5th century AD. It is a feminine form derived from the Germanic root "Adal," meaning "noble" or "aristocratic." The name was particularly popular among the Frankish and Anglo-Saxon nobility during the Middle Ages.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Adella can be found in the 7th century Ecclesiastical History of the English People by the Venerable Bede, where he mentions an Anglo-Saxon princess named Adella who lived in the kingdom of Northumbria.

Adella was also the name of a Frankish princess who lived in the 8th century AD. She was the daughter of King Childeric III and became a nun at the convent of Chelles near Paris.

In the 11th century, Adella was the name of a noblewoman from the Kingdom of León in modern-day Spain. She was the wife of Count Pedro Ansúrez and played a significant role in the political affairs of the region.

During the Renaissance period, Adella was the name of an Italian poet and scholar who lived in the 15th century. Born in Florence, she was known for her contributions to the literary circles of the time and her patronage of the arts.

Another notable figure with the name Adella was an American abolitionist and women's rights activist born in 1820. Adella Hunt Logan was a prominent figure in the anti-slavery movement and worked alongside notable abolitionists such as Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison.

Throughout history, the name Adella has been associated with nobility, literary accomplishments, and social activism, reflecting its origins as a name borne by those of aristocratic lineage and intellectual pursuits.