Meaning and Origin of the Name Adam

The name Adam has ancient roots in Scotland, though its popularity has waxed and waned over the centuries. Derived from the Hebrew, it means “man” or “earth”, an apt meaning for a land of myths like Scotland.

Adam first came to Scotland with the spread of Christianity and the Bible in the Middle Ages. But it predates even that, as Adam has long been seen as the archetypal man and the first human in the Judaeo-Christian tradition.

Meaning of Adam It means “Ruddy one,” referring to red clay or earth. The first man in the Bible is named Adam.

In Scotland, Adam has served as the vernacular form of the Latin Adae, used by early scholars and nobles. But it was also commonly adopted by everyday Scottish families who used Biblical names. Some of the earliest known bearers include Adam Forman, poet of King James VI’s court, and Adam Bothwell, the 16th-century bishop of Orkney.

Over time, Adam became fully embraced as a quintessentially Scottish name. It was borne by Scottish nationalist Adam Wallace in the 14th century, as well as the famed 18th-century architect Robert Adam. And in the 20th century, trailblazing Scottish politician Adam Ingram also carried the ancient name.

Today, Adam remains a popular choice in Scotland. It ranked 38th for Scottish boys’ names in 2020. Parents are likely drawn to its longevity, familiarity, and connection to Scotland’s religious roots.

A variant form of the name Adam is Aodhagán or Adhan.

Popularity

The popularity of Adam is relatively high in Hungary, the U.K., and the United States. In Scotland, in 2021 there were 131 babies given the first name Adam. This places the name in the 34th most popular baby boys’ name in Scotland.

Famous People with the name Adam

Below is a list of people named the name Adam

Adam of Dryburgh – in later times also known as Adam the Carthusian, Adam Anglicus, and Adam Scotus, was an Anglo-Scottish theologian, writer, Premonstratensian, and Carthusian monk, who was born in Dryburgh, Scotland.

Adam Archibald – He was an English-American fur trader and frontiersman in Illinois Country.

Adam Crozier – was a Canadian politician and journalist. Crozier is best known as a member of Montreal City. He also published a local newspaper. He was in the Legislative Assembly of Canada for Lachine and was re-elected to represent Saint-Louis. At this same time, he served on the Montreal City Council.

Adam Anderson – was a footballer playing in the Football League for Accrington Stanley, Bury, and Bolton Wanderers.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other Scottish boys’ names.