Surname Addams - Meaning and Origin
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Addams: What does the surname Addams mean?
The surname Addams is of English origin and is a patronymic form of the given name Adam, meaning it has been derived from the baptismal name of a father. The forename Adam is derived from the Hebrew name Adam which means 'man' or 'red earth' (related to the biblical story of man being created from the earth). It was a popular name during the Middle Ages in Europe owing to the biblical relevance, leading to it becoming a common surname. It is important to note that the spelling variations such as Adams and Addams are interchangeable and have same meaning and origin. The name might also have been influenced by St. Adamnan, the Abbot of Iona, who lived in the 7th century. An early record of this surname can be traced back to Suffolk, England in the 13th century. The name has been popularized in modern times through references in pop culture, such as the iconic "Addams Family" American television series.
Order DNA origin analysisAddams: Where does the name Addams come from?
The surname Addams is of English origin and is believed to be derived from the personal name "Adam". It first appeared in England following the Norman Conquest in 1066. The name is patronymic in nature, which signifies that it was initially given to the son of Adam. Over time, it evolved into various spelling forms, including Adams, Addams, Adames, and many more. The prefix 'Ad' in old English means 'son of'. Therefore, Addams can be translated to 'son of Adam'. This surname gained popularity in the United States due to Charles Addams, a famous cartoonist who created 'The Addams Family'. Today, although it is found throughout the world, it remains most common in the United States, England, and Canada.
Variations of the surname Addams
The surname Addams mainly has its roots in English tradition and is a variation of the Hebrew name Adam. In the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries, it's known by various spellings and can slightly vary in pronunciation. Common variants include Adams, Aday, Adao, Adam, Adame, Adames, and Addam.
There are also some variants of the surname that have been modified through the course of migration and cultural blending. For instance, spelling variations like Addem, Addamson, Addames, or Adimson can exist. Besides, phonetic alterations influenced by different languages lead to other unique forms of the surname, such as Adamos (Greek), Adami (Italian), or Adamo (Italian).
In terms of surnames with the same origin, there are names that have the base "Adam", which means "earth" or "man" in Hebrew. These names such as Adman, Admans, Addeman, and Addeman can be considered to have the same origin as Addams.
When accounting for spelling variants, it's important to note that former illiteracy rates led many names to be spelled by ear, resulting in numerous variations in the spelling of many last names.
Famous people with the name Addams
- Charles Addams: An American cartoonist known for his darkly humorous and macabre characters, he is best known as the creator of The Addams Family, a fictional household which inspired TV series, films, and musicals.
- Jane Addams: A pioneer social worker in America, she was a public philosopher, sociologist, author, and leader in women's suffrage and world peace. She co-founded the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and was the first American woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
- Dawn Addams: A British actress known for her roles in films such as "The Moon Is Blue", "Mandy", and "The Vault of Horror."
- Joey Addams: An American stand-up comedian who was popular during the 1950s and 1960s.
- William Addams: An early American politician from Pennsylvania.
- John Addams- An American football player.
- Calpernia Addams: An American author, actress and television personality.
- Bruce Addams: A rally driver from Australia.
- Jessica Addams: An Australian model and anti-fur activist. Please note, that some of these people may not be 'famous' in the traditional sense, but they have made notable contributions to their respective fields.