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Updated August 7, 2024

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Boy name origins & meanings

What does Adam mean and stand for?

Meaning:

  • Hebrew: Man; earth

Gender: Male

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Adam is pronounced ah-dam

The name Adam has Biblical origins and is most famously derived from the first man created by God in the Book of Genesis. The name itself comes from the Hebrew word adamah or אדם ('adam), meaning "earth", "ground", or "to be red", signifying the creation of man from the earth in Judeo-Christian tradition.

How Popular Is The Name Adam

Family name origins & meanings

Biblical: From the Biblical personal name Adam, which was borne, according to Genesis, by the first man. It is the generic Hebrew term for "man", probably from Hebrew adama "earth." Compare the classical Greek legend that Zeus fashioned the first human beings from earth. It was very popular as a personal name among non-Jews throughout Europe in the Middle Ages, and the surname is found in one form or another in most of the countries of Europe.

Jewish: Jews, however, have never used this personal name, except in recent times under Polish and English influence.

Scottish and Irish: among Scottish and Irish bearers it is sometimes a reduced form of McAdam.

Famous people with this first name

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Adam in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

  • Adam Maitland from Beetlejuice - One of the main characters in this dark comedy, Adam is a deceased architect trying to haunt his former home.
  • Adam Braverman from Parenthood - A hardworking father and business owner, Adam is one of the central characters of this family drama series.
  • Adam Strange from DC Comics - An intergalactic hero, Adam Strange finds himself zipping across the cosmos to protect his alien world, Rann.
  • Adam Sackler from Girls - A complex and unconventional character, Adam Sackler navigates relationships and self-discovery in this popular series.
  • Adam Cartwright from Bonanza - The eldest Cartwright son on the iconic Western TV series, Adam is known for his calm and rational demeanor.

Popularity of the Name Adam

According to the Social Security Administration data, the name Adam has consistently been popular in the United States. It ranked within the top 100 names from the late 1970s through the early 2000s and is still widely recognized today. Historically, Adam is a significant name with Biblical origins, being the name of the first man created by God according to the Bible, and is often used to refer to mankind as a whole.

In modern times, notable individuals named Adam include actors Adam Sandler, Adam Brody, and Adam Driver, as well as singer Adam Levine. Fictional characters named Adam have appeared in various media titles such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Girls, Adam and Steve, All My ChildrenThe Young and the Restless, and Heroes, among others. The name Adam continues to be a strong, classic choice for parents

Where Is the Name Adam Popular?

This name is most popular across certain states in the U.S., including those highlighted on the map below.

Nicknames for Adam

These shortened names can make great nicknames for your baby.

  • Ace
  • Adders

Adam Pairs Well With These Middle Names

Looking for a middle name that fits perfectly? Consider these!

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