Adams

Origin and Meaning: Adams is a common British surname of patronymic origin, derived from the given name Adam. The name Adam itself is of Hebrew origin, meaning "man" or "red earth," and has religious significance as the name of the first man in the Bible.

History: The surname Adams has ancient roots in Britain, with records of the name dating back to the early Middle Ages. The name spread throughout the British Isles and beyond, carried by descendants of the original bearers. The Adams surname is found in various regions of the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Wales.

Variations: Over the centuries, the surname Adams has evolved into various forms and spellings, including Adam, Addams, and Adames. These variations may have developed due to regional accents, dialects, or clerical errors in record-keeping.

Famous Individuals: The surname Adams has been borne by numerous notable individuals throughout history. One of the most famous figures with this last name is John Adams, the second President of the United States and one of the Founding Fathers of the country. Another noteworthy Adams is Douglas Adams, the British author best known for his science fiction series, "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy."

Modern Distribution: Today, the Adams surname is still widely prevalent in the United Kingdom and is also found in various countries around the world, particularly in former British colonies. The name continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining its place as a distinctive British surname.

Coat of Arms: The Adams family coat of arms typically features heraldic symbols such as lions, crosses, and shields, which represent strength, courage, and protection. These symbols vary depending on the specific branch of the Adams family and its unique history.

Overall, the surname Adams holds a significant place in British history and culture, reflecting the enduring legacy of its bearers across generations.

There are approximately 84,893 people named Adams in the UK. That makes it the 70th most common surname in Britain. Around 1,304 in a million people in Britain are named Adams.

Surname type: From name of parent

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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