This retro first name almost disappeared from the radar in the 1970s. But that was without taking into account the success of this British singer which allowed her to shine on a global scale.
Some first names don’t really enjoy success with young parents for many years, especially when they are very old. But sometimes, they can suddenly be put in the spotlight thanks to a news story, a personality or a film. This is the case for this first name of Germanic origin which means “noble”. This old feminine first name dating from the Middle Ages was even borne by the daughter of King Dagobert II, the holy founder of the Pfalzel Abbey in the 7th century.
According to the Official First Names 2024, this retro first name almost disappeared from the radar in the 1970s (less than 10 annual attributions), and took a new start in the 1980s, but its rise remains rather slow. What helped propel this first name among young parents is none other than the success of the British singer Adele, when her first album 19 was released in 2008. The singer of “Hello” and “Someone Like You” influenced the choice of this pretty first name, so much so that it shines internationally. “This first name is evolving in the Parisian top 6 and the first 30 national choices,” specify Stéphanie Rapoport and Claire Tabarly-Perrin, the authors of the book. “Outside France, Adele confirms her place in the Quebec and Walloon top 50,” they add.
Today, Adèle is the 59th most popular girl’s name in France since 2000. This name is given to nearly one in 190 girls. A sweet name that has seen strong growth in recent years. So many assets that should inspire many future parents in the coming years.