Meaning, origin, history
Adams is a name of English origin that has been used for centuries. It is derived from the Old English given name Æadmæls, which was composed of two elements: "adal," meaning "noble" or "nobleman," and "-mael," meaning "chiefs." Thus, the name Adams translates to "Son of Noble Chief."
The name Adams has a rich history dating back to medieval England. It was often used as a surname, but it could also be found as a given name in some instances. In fact, one of the earliest known records of the name Adams is from the Domesday Book, a great survey of England conducted by William the Conqueror in 1086.
Over time, Adams became more commonly used as a surname than a given name. However, there were notable individuals named Adams throughout history. For example, John Adams was the second president of the United States, serving from 1797 to 1801, and his son, John Quincy Adams, served as the sixth president from 1825 to 1829.
Today, Adams remains a popular surname worldwide but is less commonly used as a given name. Despite its waning popularity, Adams continues to be a strong and dignified name that carries a rich history and meaningful origin.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Adams since 1880
Total births
1,159
Total since 1880
Peak year
1983
42 births
in 2023
38
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+60%
↗
vs previous 5 years