Adler

Meaning of Adler

Adler, pronounced AD-lur, stems from the German word for “eagle” and echoes the Latin aquila, the emblem borne by Rome’s legions—a signal of keen sight and command. As a first name it only begins appearing in U.S. records during the mid-1980s, yet it has climbed with quiet consistency, landing 233 boys in 2024 and hovering in the 600–800 range ever since. The shift from surname to given name brings with it layered associations: the pioneering psychiatrist Alfred Adler, Chicago’s sky-minded Adler Planetarium, and a broader heritage among German-Jewish families. Parents cite the name’s brisk, two-syllable rhythm, its subtle nature cue, and its disciplined consonants, which set it apart from softer favorites like Oliver or Asher. Neither fad-driven nor archaic, Adler balances modern accessibility with a centuries-old symbol of altitude and resolve, offering a concise choice for families who want a grounded name that still looks, quite literally, to the sky.