 Ulrich Braukämper theorizes that the name "Adaba" comes from a Hadiya subgroup mentioned in the "Royal Chronicle" of Zara Yaqob, where they are referred to as the "Hababo".Braukämper has argued that the Hadiya kingdom prior to the Great Oromo migration in the 16th century included in this area, presenting a number of facts supporting his argument, as opposed to other experts who argue that it extended to the east.The highest point in this woreda is Mount Darkeena; other notable peaks include Mount Doda and Mount Gamma; most rivers are tributaries of the Shabelle River and include the Meribo, Ieliso, Furuna, Ashiro and Mancha Kara.