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Adam

♂ Boy

Pronounced AD-um /ˈæd.əm/High

Meaning: Man; or earth; or red earth — from Hebrew adam (man) related to adamah (earth) and adom (red)High

In 30 seconds: The first man's name in the Bible, from the Hebrew for 'earth' or 'red earth.' Elemental and universal, Adam has been a timeless presence across Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningMan; or earth; or red earth — from Hebrew adam (man) related to adamah (earth) and adom (red)
Peak year1984
Total births (all-time)≈ 549,775

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 198418802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Adam derives from the Hebrew אָדָם (adam), related to adamah (earth) and adom (red). In Genesis, Adam is formed from the dust of the ground, and his name reflects this earthy origin.

Adam has been used in all three major Abrahamic faiths. In the English-speaking world it has been a perennial top-100 name, reaching a peak in the 1980s and remaining popular through the present day.

Did you know? The word Adam appears in Hebrew as both a personal name and the generic word for 'human being' — making it the most fundamental personal name in the Abrahamic traditions.

Variations

AdamoAdánAdem

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

  • ★Adam (Biblical) (mythological/ancient)
    The first human being in the Book of Genesis, regarded in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.
  • ★Adam Smith (1723–1790)
    Scottish economist and philosopher, author of The Wealth of Nations, founding figure of modern economics.

If you like Adam…

Ethan— short strong Hebrew Biblical name with the same timeless reliability
Caleb— Old Testament classic with the same clean two-syllable Biblical strength
Noah— Genesis Biblical name with the same foundational, elemental feel
Eli— short Hebrew name with the same ancient-yet-modern effortless appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Adam mean?

Adam comes from the Hebrew word meaning 'man' or 'earth,' related to adamah (ground) and adom (red). In Genesis he is formed from the dust of the earth.

How do you pronounce Adam?

It is said AD-um /ˈæd.əm/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Adam a boy or girl name?

Adam is used almost exclusively as a boy's name.

How popular is Adam?

Adam has been a consistent U.S. top-100 boys' name for many decades.