What does Adam mean and where does it come from?
While Adam is traditionally a male name in many cultures, it is also used as a unisex name in modern contexts. Its Hebrew origin 'אָדָם' (Adam) refers to the first man created according to biblical narrative, symbolizing humanity as a whole. The name carries significant historical and theological we
Cultural significance
Adam has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of man; human; to be red, referring to the red earth..
Peak popularity
Reached #18 in 1983 — currently #103 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Adam?
Adam works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Adam Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Adam Rose
Floral · soft ending
Adam Claire
French influence · crisp
Adam Jane
Literary · strong
Adam Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Adam right now?
Holding steady — currently #103 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #103 | 3,482 | ▼ down 4 · -4% births |
| 2022 | #99 | 3,636 | ▲ up 5 · -1% births |
| 2021 | #104 | 3,656 | ▼ down 8 · -3% births |
| 2020 | #96 | 3,751 | ▼ down 23 · -30% births |
| 2015 | #73 | 5,391 | ▲ up 7 · +6% births |
| 2010 | #80 | 5,103 | ▼ down 16 · -25% births |
| 2005 | #64 | 6,840 | ▼ down 19 · -16% births |
| 2000 | #45 | 8,133 | ▼ down 7 · -22% births |
| 1995 | #38 | 10,483 | ▼ down 6 · -29% births |
| 1990 | #32 | 14,708 | ▼ down 10 · -27% births |
| 1985 | #22 | 20,171 | stable · +7% births |
| 1980 | #22 | 18,872 | ▲ up 16 · +118% births |
| 1975 | #38 | 8,654 | ▲ up 33 · +100% births |
| 1970 | #71 | 4,319 | ▲ up 54 · +68% births |
| 1965 | #125 | 2,566 | — |
The story of Adam
Adam has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #18 in 1983. Over 564K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #123 in 1880 to #103 in 2023. Adam is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Adam in 1983:
Adam by decade
Adam peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,020 | |
| 1890s | 863 | |
| 1900s | 1,021 | |
| 1910s | 4,485 | |
| 1920s | 4,473 | |
| 1930s | 2,409 | |
| 1940s | 2,437 | |
| 1950s | 3,736 | |
| 1960s | 23,021 | |
| 1970s | 92,285 | |
| 1980s ★ | 196,108 | |
| 1990s | 107,119 | |
| 2000s | 71,126 | |
| 2010s | 50,622 | |
| 2020s | 3,758 | |
What are good nicknames for Adam?
ENGLISH
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Famous people named Adam
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Adam (historical community leader)
Adam led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Adam (historical figure)
Adam bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Adam?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Adam also consider these
How is Adam written in other languages?
Macedonian), אָדָם
Hebrew), آدم (Arabic), ადამ (Georgian), Αδαμ (Ancient Greek
What are the girl versions of Adam?
Common questions about the name Adam
What does the name Adam mean?
Adam means "Man; human; to be red, referring to the red earth." — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Adam?
Adam is currently ranked #103 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Adam?
Adam originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Adam?
Adam is a two-syllable name pronounced AE1 D AH0 M. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Adam more of a girl or boy name?
Adam is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.