"son of Adam"
Origin: English
Language: English
Adams
Pronunciation: [ AD-uhmz ]
Boy Name
#3,243 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
Presidential heritage wrapped in a strong surname name
English
American
Strong
Vintage
Bold
Sophisticated
Meaning & Origin
"made of earth, red earth"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
The Story of Adams
Adams is a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Adam', with Adam deriving from the Hebrew 'adamah' meaning 'earth' or 'ground'. The biblical Adam was the first man, created from the earth itself — making this name carry profound symbolic weight across Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Using Adams as a first name follows the modern trend of surname-as-first-name, giving it an aristocratic, distinguished feel.
The surname-as-first-name trend accelerated in the 2000s and 2010s, driven by parents seeking names that felt both classic and distinctive. Presidential surnames like Adams appeal to parents who want a name with historical gravitas — two U.S. presidents bore the surname Adams.
The Adams name carries extraordinary American historical weight — John Adams and John Quincy Adams were the 2nd and 6th U.S. presidents respectively, and Samuel Adams was a Founding Father. In English-speaking cultures, using Adams as a first name signals a connection to this legacy.
Fun Facts
- Two U.S. presidents bore the Adams surname — the only father-son presidential pair until Bush
- Samuel Adams, brewer and patriot, inspired the famous Boston beer brand
Adams in Other Languages
Arabic
آدامز
French
Adams
German
Adams
Spanish
Adams
Famous People Named Adams
B
Bryan Adams
Musician
1959
Canadian rock singer known for Summer of '69 and Everything I Do
D
Douglas Adams
Writer
1952
British author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
J
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,243
- Total SSA Count
- 37
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Adam
Ad
Pairs Well With
Adams John
Adams Lee
Adams Grant
Adams Cole
Adams James
Adams Ray
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Adams
What does the name Adams mean?
"son of Adam" (from English). "made of earth, red earth" (from Hebrew). Adams is a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Adam', with Adam deriving from the Hebrew 'adamah' meaning 'earth' or 'ground'. The biblical Adam was the first man, created from the earth itself — making this name carry profound symbolic weight across Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Using Adams as a first name follows the modern trend of surname-as-first-name, giving it an aristocratic, distinguished feel.
What is the origin of the name Adams?
Adams has English, Hebrew, and American origins. In English, it means "son of Adam". In Hebrew, it means "made of earth, red earth".
Is Adams a boy or girl name?
Adams is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Adams?
Adams is pronounced AD-uhmz.
How popular is the name Adams?
Adams is currently ranked #3243 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Adams?
Common nicknames for Adams include Adam and Ad.
What are good middle names for Adams?
Popular middle name pairings include Adams John, Adams Lee, Adams Grant, Adams Cole, Adams James, and Adams Ray.
What are good sibling names for Adams?
Names that pair well with Adams as siblings include Brooks, Hayes, Lincoln, Carter, Emerson, and Morgan.
How many syllables does Adams have?
Adams has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Adams a common or rare name?
Adams is an uncommon name, ranked #3243 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Adams
Adams is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "son of Adam" in English .
Adams is currently ranked #3,243 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Adams has 2 syllables and is pronounced AD-uhmz, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Adams include Adam and Ad. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Adams include Adam . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.