Adam Name Meaning

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Learn more about the meaning, origin, and popularity of the name Adam.

Fact checked by Elizabeth BrownfieldFact checked by Elizabeth Brownfield

If you're looking for a name with strong historical and biblical significance, you can't go wrong with Adam.

A well-known Hebrew name, Adam means "son of the red Earth." Its meaning comes from the Hebrew word adamah meaning "earth," from which Adam is said to be formed. Adam is also the name of the first man created by God in the Old Testament.



  • Origin: Adam is a Hebrew name meaning "son of the red Earth."

  • Gender: Adam is most commonly used as a boy name.

  • Pronunciation: ah-dam





Editor's Note


Although many baby names are separated by gender, Parents believes that sex does not need to play a role in your name selection process. It’s important to select a name that you feel suits your new baby the best.



How Popular Is the Name Adam?

Although Adam is one of the most well-known names in existence, its popularity in the United States has been met with moderate success. That said, it ranked in the top 100 names most years since 1970, when it reached No. 72. It hit peak popularity in 1983, ranking No. 18.

In 2021, Adam was ranked as the No. 104 most popular name for baby boys, marking the end of Adam's run in the top 100. Since then, it's hovered around the same position: It went up back up to No. 97 in 2022, but then down again to 102 in 2023.

Still, Adam is no stranger to the spotlight. Actors Adam Sandler and Adam Carolla bring out the name's funny side while singer Adam Levine gives it an edgy, pop-rock appeal.

Name Variations

The following are variations of the name Adam:

  • Adamo (Hebrew)

  • Adams (Hebrew)

  • Adan (Hebrew)

  • Adao (Hebrew)

  • Addam (Hebrew)

  • Addis (Hebrew)

  • Adem (Hebrew)

  • Adham (Arabic)

Similar Names

Similar sounding names to Adam include:

  • Adan

  • Allen

  • Callum

  • Camden

  • Karam

  • Kamden

  • Liam

  • Tatum

Other biblical boy names include:

  • Aaron

  • Abel

  • Abraham

  • Asher

  • Benjamin

  • Elijah

  • Gabriel

  • Jacob

  • Levi

  • Mark

  • Silas

Other names starting with "A" include:

  • Ace

  • Adrien

  • Alexander

  • Anderson

  • Andrew

  • Andy

  • Antonio

  • Apollo

  • Archie

  • Arrow

  • Arthur

  • Atlas

  • Avery

  • Axel

Common Nicknames for Adam

Adam is already a short name so it may not lend itself to a nickname. However, some Adams use A, Addy, or Ad.

Suggested Sibling Names

Looking for a sibling name for Adam? Here are some popular options:

  • Alexis

  • Alison

  • Annie

  • Ashley

  • Anthony

  • Devon

  • Dorothy

  • Emily

  • Ethel

  • Heather

  • Jordan

  • Luke

  • Morgan

  • Sharon

  • Sienna

  • Walter

  • Warren

Famous People Named Adam

Some notable people who share the name Adam are:

  • Adam Brody, American actor most known for his role on the TV series The O.C.

  • Adam Devine, American actor and comedian known for co-creating and starring in the comedy series Workaholics

  • Adam Driver, American actor known for his role as Klyo Ren in the Star Wars movies

  • Adam Lambert, American singer who rose to fame after appearing on American Idol in 2009

  • Adam Levine, lead singer of the pop-rock band Maroon 5

  • Adam Sandler, American actor known for a variety of movies, including Billy Madison and Happy Gilmore

  • Adam Scott, American actor best known for his role on the TV comedy Parks and Recreation

  • Adam West, American actor known for portraying Batman in the 1960s TV series of the same name



More Baby Names

Still searching for the perfect baby name? Check out these related baby name lists for even more options:



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Read the original article on Parents.