Adam is a popular given name of Hebrew origin, meaning "man" or "earth". It is derived from the Hebrew word 'adamah', which translates to earth.
The name Adam is significant in the Abrahamic religions, including Judaism, Christianity and Islam. In these faiths, Adam is believed to be the first human created by God. According to the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament, Adam was formed from dust and then breathed life into him by God. This story also appears in the Quran.
The name Adam became widespread during the Middle Ages through Christian usage, as it was associated with the biblical figure. It was further popularized by prominent historical figures bearing the name, such as Saint Adam of Perseigne, a 12th-century French abbot and poet.
In literature, Adam is also the protagonist in John Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost". The character's name reflects his role as the first man created on Earth.
Today, Adam remains a common given name across many cultures worldwide. Its popularity may be attributed to its biblical origins and strong historical presence, as well as its simple yet powerful meaning. Despite its long-standing usage, the name Adam continues to convey timelessness and universality.
Over the century from 1913 to 2020, the name Adam saw significant fluctuations in popularity among parents choosing names for their newborn sons. The highest point was reached in 1983 with 132 births, while the lowest occurred in 1913 and again in 2002, each with just 5 births. There were several years (1967-1970, 1974-1977) where Adam was among the top names, indicated by birth counts above 60. However, since around 1987, its popularity has steadily declined, with fewer than 20 Adams born each year from 1993 onwards. Despite these trends, Adam remains a classic and enduring name, with a total of 2052 births recorded over the century.