Adlai

Adlai is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin, commonly interpreted as meaning “my God is justice” or “God is justice.” The name has appeared in English-language usage since the 19th century and is most prominently associated with a prominent American political family from Illinois.

Notable bearers include Adlai E. Stevenson I (1835–1914), who served as the 23rd Vice President of the United States from 1893 to 1897 under Grover Cleveland. The name is more widely recognized in modern memory through Adlai E. Stevenson II (1900–1965), a Democratic politician and diplomat who was Governor of Illinois from 1947 to 1953 and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations from 1961 to 1965; he was the Democratic candidate for president in 1952 and 1956.

Another prominent bearer is Adlai Stevenson III (born 1934), who served as a United States Senator from Illinois from 1970 to 1981, continuing the Stevenson family’s long involvement in American public life. The name Adlai remains relatively uncommon outside certain circles, but its association with the Stevenson legacy has kept it in public awareness in the United States.

Beyond individuals, Adlai appears primarily in historical and biographical contexts as a given name. Its Hebrew roots and the semantic emphasis on justice contribute to its continued use among families seeking traditional, culturally resonant names.