"earth, man of the earth"
Origin: Hebrew adamah
Language: English
Adama
Ancient as the earth itself — the first man honored
West African
Jewish
Israeli
Muslim
Strong
Spiritual
Earthy
Bold
Traditional
Meaning & Origin
"red earth, clay"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Browse names with similar meanings:
Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with Commander Adama from Battlestar Galactica — generally a positive association
The Story of Adama
Adama is an extended form of Adam, one of the oldest names in recorded history. The Hebrew name Adam comes from adamah meaning earth or red earth, referring to the clay from which Genesis describes the first man being formed. The -a ending is common in West African languages including Hausa, Mandinka, and Wolof traditions, where Adama is a popular masculine name honoring the first man of Abrahamic tradition.
Adama is widely used across West Africa, particularly in Muslim-majority countries where the name honors Adam, the first prophet in Islam. The name gained some Western recognition through Commander William Adama in the acclaimed sci-fi series Battlestar Galactica.
In Islamic tradition Adam is revered as the first prophet and father of humanity. In West African Muslim communities the name carries profound religious significance. The name also appears in Jewish and Christian traditions making it one of the most cross-cultural names in the Abrahamic world.
Fun Facts
- Adam/Adama is used by Muslims, Jews, and Christians making it one of the most universal religious names
- In Hebrew adamah meaning earth is the root word used in Genesis for the creation of man from clay
Adama in Other Languages
Hausa
Adamu
Arabic
آدم
French
Adama
Hebrew
אדמה
Spanish
Adama
Popularity Over Time
#5,378
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Famous People Named Adama
A
Adama Traore
Athlete
1996
Spanish professional footballer of Malian descent, known for his powerful wing play in La Liga and the Premier League
A
Adama Barrow
Politician
1965
President of The Gambia since 2017 and prominent West African political leader
C
Commander William Adama Fictional
Military
Protagonist of the acclaimed sci-fi series Battlestar Galactica played by Edward James Olmos — one of television's most ...
Protagonist of the acclaimed sci-fi series Battlestar Galactica played by Edward James Olmos — one of television's most respected fictional commanders
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #5,378
- Total SSA Count
- 18
- Cultural Origins
- West African Jewish Israeli Muslim
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Adam
Ada
Dama
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Adama is also used as a girl name, ranked #6903.
View Adama as a girl name →Similar Names
See all names like Adama →Compare Adama with...
Same Origin Names (West African)
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Adama
What does the name Adama mean?
"earth, man of the earth" (from Hebrew adamah). "red earth, clay" (from Hebrew). Adama is an extended form of Adam, one of the oldest names in recorded history. The Hebrew name Adam comes from adamah meaning earth or red earth, referring to the clay from which Genesis describes the first man being formed. The -a ending is common in West African languages including Hausa, Mandinka, and Wolof traditions, where Adama is a popular masculine name honoring the first man of Abrahamic tradition.
What is the origin of the name Adama?
Adama has Hebrew adamah, Hebrew, West African, Jewish, Israeli, and Muslim origins. In Hebrew adamah, it means "earth, man of the earth". In Hebrew, it means "red earth, clay".
Is Adama a boy or girl name?
Adama is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #5378. As a girl name, it is ranked #6903. Adama is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Adama?
Adama is currently ranked #5378 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Adama?
Common nicknames for Adama include Adam, Ada, and Dama.
What are good middle names for Adama?
Popular middle name pairings include Adama Joseph, Adama Emmanuel, Adama Solomon, Adama James, Adama Marcus, and Adama David.
What are good sibling names for Adama?
Names that pair well with Adama as siblings include Ibrahim, Kofi, Yusuf, Fatima, Amara, and Lena.
How many syllables does Adama have?
Adama has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Adama a common or rare name?
Adama is an uncommon name, ranked #5378 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Adama
Adama is a boy name with West African, Jewish, Israeli, and Muslim origins . The name means "earth, man of the earth" in Hebrew adamah .
Is Adama a boy or girl name? Adama is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #5,378 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #6,903. Adama is more commonly used as a boy name.
Adama is currently ranked #5,378 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Adama has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Adama include Adam, Ada, and Dama. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Adama include Adam, Adams . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.