Adama

“earth”

Africa origin · Unisex name

♂ 40% boys♀ 60% girls

#5930US 2023

15Births / yr

↓Falling

933All-time births

📅 Since 197300

How to pronounce Adama

AD·ay·em·AY

/ˈæd.ˌeɪ.ˌɛm.ˈeɪ/ · stress on AD · 4 syllables

“earth”

Africa origin · Unisex name

What does Adama mean and where does it come from?

Adama is a name that has roots in both Hebrew and various African cultures, particularly among the Mandinka and other West African groups. In Hebrew, it means 'earth,' akin to the biblical Adam, while in some African contexts, it means 'firstborn'. This name is notable for its cultural significance

Cultural significance

Adama has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Africa-speaking communities, where it reflects values of earth.

Peak popularity

Reached #5078 in 2001 — currently #5930 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Adama?

Adama works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Adama Grace

How popular is Adama right now?

Falling — down 294 spots — currently #5930 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2023#5930 · Top 4.4%

1975

1980

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#5930	15	▼ down 294 · -6% births
2022	#5636	16	▲ up 2534 · +78% births
2021	#8170	9	▼ down 3001 · -62% births
2020	#5169	24	▲ up 180 · -4% births
2015	#5349	25	▲ up 2271 · +56% births
2010	#7620	16	▼ down 1740 · -24% births
2005	#5880	21	▲ up 1875 · +62% births
2000	#7755	13	▲ up 643 · +30% births
1995	#8398	10	▲ up 5396 · +100% births
1990	#13794	5	▼ down 3927 · -17% births
1980	#9867	6	▼ down 3422 · -33% births
1975	#6445	9	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Adama

Best Year2020Rank #5169

Peak Count25

Average Rank#7501

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1975 - 202312 years

The story of Adama

Adama is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1973. With 933 total births recorded, Adama remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6445 in 1975 to #5930 in 2023. Adama is used for both genders: 60% female and 40% male.

Names that peaked alongside Adama in 2001:

Emily Madison Hannah Ashley Alexis

Adama by decade

Adama peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	46
1980s	77
1990s	123
2000s	306
2010s ★	341
2020s	40

💎Adama has only 933 total recorded births since 1973 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Adama?

Common

AdaAdAdieAdy

What names sound and feel like Adama?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Adama also consider these

Adamma

Nigeria · A child whose

Arabic · knowledgeable

Arabic · Compassion, mercy.

Salama

Arabic · Arabic

Common questions about the name Adama

What does the name Adama mean?

Adama means "earth" — a name rooted in Africa 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 Adama?

Adama is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Adama have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Adama?

Adama originates from Africa tradition. Africa 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 Adama?

Adama is a four-syllable name pronounced AE1 D EY2 EH2 M EY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Adama?

Adama pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Africa heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.