What does Ella mean?
From a Germanic root meaning “all” or “other,” and also read in Norman use as “fairy maiden.”
What does Adeline mean?
A French elaboration of Germanic adal, “noble.”
Ella vs Adeline
Which is more popular?
Ella is more popular than Adeline today: about 5,831 US babies were given the name Ella in 2025, compared with 3,864 named Adeline.
| Ella | Adeline | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | All; fairy maiden | Noble |
| Origin | Germanic | Germanic |
| Gender | Girl | Girl |
| Pronunciation | EL-uh | AD-uh-line |
| Syllables | 2 | 3 |
| First appeared | 1880 | 1880 |
| Peak year | 2010 (9,884) | 2016 (4,120) |
| In 2025 | 5,831 | 3,864 |
| Trend | Declining | Rising |
Popularity over time, 1880–2025
Ella
Adeline
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Births by decade
| Decade | Ella | Adeline |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 37,920 | 19,006 |
| 2010s | 85,922 | 23,383 |
| 2000s | 67,544 | 5,719 |
| 1990s | 3,897 | 1,180 |
| 1980s | 1,576 | 493 |
| 1970s | 2,096 | 348 |
| 1960s | 5,176 | 532 |
| 1950s | 11,038 | 905 |
| 1940s | 15,977 | 1,619 |
| 1930s | 19,962 | 3,450 |
| 1920s | 29,521 | 9,917 |
| 1910s | 24,913 | 8,985 |
| 1900s | 14,763 | 2,646 |
| 1890s | 17,072 | 1,697 |
| 1880s | 13,936 | 932 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Ella or Adeline more popular?
Ella is more popular than Adeline today: about 5,831 US babies were given the name Ella in 2025, compared with 3,864 named Adeline.
What is the difference between Ella and Adeline?
Ella means All; fairy maiden (Germanic origin), while Adeline means Noble (Germanic origin).
Which name is older, Ella or Adeline?
In US records, Ella first appears in 1880 and Adeline in 1880, so Ella has the longer recorded history.