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.
The given statistics show the annual number of babies named Adam born in the United States between 1913 and 2020. The data reveals that the name Adam has experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over this period.
In the early years, from 1913 to 1964, the name Adam was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 12 births per year on average. However, starting in 1964, there was a notable increase in the number of babies named Adam, reaching a peak of 50 births in 1974.
The popularity of the name Adam continued to rise throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, with over 100 births per year between 1982 and 1986. The highest point was reached in 1984, with 142 births.
However, after this peak, the popularity of the name Adam began to decline steadily. Between 1987 and 2002, the number of babies named Adam ranged from a high of 102 in 1987 to a low of 8 births in 2002.
Since then, the name Adam has maintained a consistent level of popularity, with an average of around 7-8 births per year. The most recent data shows that there were 7 births each in 2018 and 2019, and again in 2020.
In total, over the period from 1913 to 2020, there have been 2052 babies named Adam born in the United States.