The given name Adler has its origins in the German language, where it means "eagle." This name can be traced back to the Middle Ages, around the 12th century, when it was used as a surname to denote someone who kept or trained eagles for hunting purposes.

In ancient Germanic cultures, the eagle was a revered symbol of strength, courage, and freedom, often associated with deities and warriors. As such, the name Adler carried connotations of power and nobility.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Adler can be found in the Nibelungenlied, a German heroic epic poem written around 1200 AD. The character Volker von Alzey is referred to as "Volker der Spielmann Adler," which translates to "Volker the Minstrel Eagle."

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Adler. Amongst them are Alfred Adler (1870-1937), an Austrian medical doctor and psychotherapist, who founded the school of individual psychology. Another famous bearer of the name was Felix Adler (1851-1933), a German-American philosopher and educator, known for establishing the Ethical Culture movement.

Other prominent figures named Adler include Mortimer J. Adler (1902-2001), an American philosopher and author, best known for his work on the Great Books of the Western World. Adler Berriman Seal (1851-1904) was an American architect who designed several notable buildings in Washington, D.C., including the American Renaissance Memorial Building.

In the realm of literature, we find Max Adler (1873-1937), an Austrian socialist theorist and philosopher, who wrote extensively on Marxist theory and socialism. His contemporary, Adler Christensen (1896-1967), was a Danish writer and playwright known for his works depicting the working class and rural life in Denmark.

The name Adler has been a part of various cultures and has carried significant meaning throughout history, representing strength, nobility, and a connection to the natural world.