Origin & Meaning of the Adams Surname
What does the last name Adams mean?
The surname Adams carries the meaning "Son of Adams." It is derived from the Hebrew/English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 427,865 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Adams ranks as the #42 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Adams come from?
The Adams surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Adams name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Adams trace back to Hebrew/English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Adams |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Adams |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Hebrew/English |
| US Rank (2010) | #42 |
| US Count (2010) | 427,865 |
| Per 100K People | 145.05 |
| First Letter | A |
Ethnic Distribution of Adams
According to the US Census, the Adams surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 427,865 Americans with the Adams last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 74.02% |
| Black | 19.9% |
| Hispanic | 2.57% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.56% |
| Native American | 0.79% |
| Two or More Races | 2.16% |
Popularity of Adams Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Adams surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Adams surname increased by 14,779 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Adams Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Adams
- ✓ The Adams coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Adams families live today
- ✓ Notable Adams bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Adams
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Adams.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Adams.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adams
Top Surnames Starting with A
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter A, ranked by population.
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