Adèle

Adèle is a feminine given name, chiefly used in French-speaking contexts. It is the French form of Adelaide or Adela, ultimately derived from the Germanic elements adal meaning noble and leod meaning people or tribe, thus often interpreted as “noble kind” or “noble people.” The standard French spelling uses an acute accent on the e (Adèle). Variants include Adela, Adelaide, Adele, Adelina, and Adeline.

Usage and cultural context vary by region, but Adèle has been a common given name in France since the 19th century and remains in use today in several Francophone countries. In English-speaking areas, the form without the accent, Adele, is widely used and has become prominent in contemporary popular culture, notably through public figures who bear the Anglophone version of the name.

Notable people and fictional usages: Adèle Exarchopoulos (born 1993) is a French actress known for her role in Blue Is the Warmest Colour. Adèle Haenel (born 1985) is a French actress and filmmaker. Adèle Hugo (1830–1915) was Victor Hugo’s sister and a historical figure associated with 19th-century biographies. In fiction, Adèle Blanc-Sec is a character in Jacques Tardi’s comic book series. The name appears across literature, cinema, and art, reflecting its enduring presence in Francophone culture.

See also: Adele, for the Anglophone form and related names.