McAdams

Patronymic

Meaning

A patronymic surname meaning 'son of Adam,' derived from the Gaelic 'Mac' prefix and the personal name Adam.

Etymology

The surname combines the Scottish Gaelic 'Mac' (son of) with 'Adam' (Hebrew Adham, meaning 'man' or 'earth'). This follows the traditional Scottish naming convention for patronymic surnames.

About the McAdams Surname

McAdams is a Scottish patronymic surname with strong roots in Scottish Highlands and Lowlands. The name has gained prominence in North America and has produced several notable figures in entertainment and engineering.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 35,000 bearers in the United States #652 most common surname
Rare Common

Primarily found in Scotland and the United States, with significant populations in Canada and Australia.

McAdams Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer
More

Notable Bearers

People with the McAdams Surname