Adler Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Adler come from? What does the surname Adler mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Adler and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Adler Origin: What does the last name Adler mean?
The surname Adler is of German origin, meaning "eagle." In Christian iconography, the eagle symbolizes John the Evangelist and was commonly used as a house sign in German-speaking areas. This led to the surname Adler being adopted by inhabitants with only one name. Records show that the Adler surname first appeared in England in the early 16th century, with significant growth in Germany from the 16th to the 18th centuries. By the 20th century, the Adler surname had spread globally, with a notable presence in the United States, Germany, England, and other regions.
YourRoots data confirms the historical presence of the Adler surname in the United Kingdom since the early 10th century. The surname continued to expand and establish itself in various countries, including France, by the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the Adler surname can be found in countries such as India, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Ireland, France, Nigeria, and more, showcasing its widespread global distribution and enduring legacy rooted in German heritage and symbolism.
Adler Last Name History: Where did the last name Adler come from?
Origin of Adler Surname: Where does the last name Adler originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Adler first appeared in records from England around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Adler spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Adler: What does the Adler surname history look like in the early days?
The Adler surname started growing in Germany from the 16th to the 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Adler family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Adler surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Adler surname grew significantly in the United States. The Adler surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including Germany, England, and other regions.
Explore Adler last name heritage and Adler surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Adler Surame?
Alfred Adler
Alfred Adler (February 7, 1870 – May 28, 1937) was an Austrian medical doctor and psychotherapist known for founding individual psychology. He emphasized the importance of social interest and relationships within the family. Adler coined the term "inferiority complex" and focused on the individual's sense of belonging in society. He was a key figure in the psychoanalytic movement, challenging Freud's theories and proposing his own ideas on human development. Adler's work on psychology and community psychiatry has left a lasting impact, ranking him as one of the eminent psychologists of the 20th century.
Steven Adler
Steven Adler (January 22, 1965 - ) is an American musician best known as the drummer and co-songwriter of the hard rock band Guns N' Roses. He achieved worldwide success in the late 1980s with the band. Despite being fired from Guns N' Roses in 1990 due to his heroin addiction, Adler continued his music career with bands like Road Crew, BulletBoys, Adler's Appetite, and Adler. He also appeared on reality TV shows like Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. Adler was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 as a member of Guns N' Roses.
Lou Adler
Lester Louis Adler (born Dec 13, 1933) is an American record and film producer known for his work with iconic artists such as The Mamas & the Papas, Carole King, and Cheech & Chong. His production of Carole King's "Tapestry" won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1972. Adler also co-owned the Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. With a long and successful career in the music and film industry, Adler continues to be a prominent figure in entertainment.
Irene Adler
Irene Adler (1858 – Unknown) is a fictional character in the Sherlock Holmes stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. She is a former opera singer and actress who outsmarts Sherlock Holmes in the short story "A Scandal in Bohemia." Despite appearing in only one story, Adler is one of the most notable female characters in the Sherlock Holmes series. Known for her wit, cunning, and independence, Adler has been portrayed in various adaptations of Sherlock Holmes, showcasing her intelligence and adaptability. While originally seen as a progressive and feminist character, some interpretations have reimagined her relationship with Holmes as romantic or criminal.
Stella Adler
Stella Adler (February 10, 1901 – December 21, 1992) was an American actress and acting teacher. Coming from the renowned Adler acting dynasty, she founded the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City. Stella taught legendary actors like Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro, shaping American theater for decades. Her influence on method acting and character development is still felt today.
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