Last name: Adams

This interesting surname is a patronymic of Adam, which is of English origin, and is from the Hebrew personal name "Adam", which was borne, according to Genesis, by the first man. The name is of uncertain etymology; however, it is often said to be from the Hebrew "adama", earth. It was very popular as a given name among non-Jews throughout Europe in the Middle Ages. The personal name was first recorded in England with one "Adam Warenarius " in Lincolnshire in 1146 - 1153. The surname development since 1281 (see below) includes the following: John Adamsone (1296, Scotland), William Adames (1327, Worcestershire) and Richard Adamessone (circa 1400, Norfolk). The second president of the United States, John Adams (1735 - 1826), and his son John Quincy Adams (1767 - 1848), who became the sixth president, were descended from Henry Adams, a yeoman farmer who had emigrated from Barton St. David, Somerset, to Massachusetts (United States of America) in 1640. Among the recordings in London is the marriage of Robert Adams and Jane Stanton on September 25th 1573 at St. Dunstan's, Stepney. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Alianor Adam, which was dated 1281, witness in the "Assize Rolls of Cheshire", during the reign of King Edward 1, known as "The Hammer of the Scots", 1272 - 1307. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

Visitor Comments

Shamiela
IS most of the surnames in use today originally out of England If you know more about the origin of this could you please post a note

kathleen lee
In the Collins book "Scots Kith and Kin" both the name Adam and Adams were associated as a sept with the clan Gordon. Found in Fife and Berwickshire from the 13th century and Aberdeen from the 14th century.

Carl
There is 2 clans it originates from, one is Adam and one is Gordon. I think I am adams from the Adam clan. But i am currently doing futher research into this.

Simon Adams
I have traced my origins for sometime , but i can recall my great grandfather telling me when i was six years old you are from the Gordon clan and after loads of research he was spot on.

PJ
I always thought Gerry Adams was from Ireland and spoke the native Gaelic Irish as he was a Gael. Hmmm. I think he's probably English.

Beth Eva Adams
I am an Adams who met Mr. Gerry Adams & we spoke about our Adams ancestors. He told me his came from the Scottish Highlands...as did mine.

Robert Adams (no not fireplaces)
Gerry Adams (blurgh) is Irish. I am not.... Adama also means indestructible in Greek if i remember rightly, (Adamantium) in comics. Adams is my name and very boring it is too, how many times have i heard the addams family tune? Oh my, how original, or one deaf teacher though i said "Robert Adam" like the guy who did fire places and interior design (In Britain 1728-1792) . so for some reason i was thought to have taste (no not really) Also at least 4 coat(s) of arms so which one to pick...easy the best looking one. :D

Carl
Ha ha, I'm having the trouble of finding my familys coat of arms.. But according to 1 scottush website with all the clans on, they adams from the adam clan got no family coat of arms.. Just a crest..

lee stewart
My Great-Great Uncle walter Adams served in the Gordon Highlanders during the First World War( and survived!),despite being born in England

Dram
It's also found in Northern Ireland, and is sometimes refered to as an Ulster-Scots name.