I was thinking today about one of the most perfect names I’ve ever heard: Ada Lovelace. Born Augusta Ada Byron in 1815, she is widely regarded as the first computer programmer. She was the daughter of Lord Byron, the poet (who I love, by the way; I’m not incredibly familiar with his work, but what I know, I like) and Annabella Milbanke. She was the countess of Lovelace, which is where she got the name she is most known by.

Augusta Ada Byron King, Countess of Lovelace

Ada Lovelace

I think she’s a fantastic role model for any young girl, and an especially auspicious namesake for any programmer or coder.

Anyway, thinking about Ada Lovelace made me love Ada. It’s simple but sturdy and feminine without drowning in frills. The only problem is its similarity to Ava and Eva. She’d probably get called Ava most of the time these days. Although Ava is pretty, I vastly prefer Ada for its old fashioned charm and more sturdy feel.

Don’t count Ada out of the fashion game, though. It’s top 100 in Norway and has recently re-entered the charts here for the first time in a while. As of 2007, it sat at 646, and I expect it to rise some more, especially given the continued popularity of Ava.

I think Ada is a fantastic name, overall. It’s short but substantial and packs a great punch. For such a short name, it manages to sound serious, but still retains its playful, almost nickname like feel. (For you origin buffs, it was originally a nickname for Adelaide, but I think it stands alone fine now.) I fully endorse it as a full name, but I wouldn’t mind seeing it as a nickname. A few ideas if Ada isn’t substantial enough for you: Adelaide, Adara, Adela, Adeline, Zenaida. However, I really feel that this one stands on its own. I like Ida, too, for the record.

A few Ada combos:

  • Ada Juniper
  • Ada Beatrix
  • Ada Cecile
  • Ada Jane
  • Ada Prudence
  • Ada Penelope
  • Ada June
  • Ada Susan

What do you guys think of sweet, simple, Ada?