English and German patronymic from the personal name Adam. Ancestry says it is very common in England (especially the south Midlands) and in Wales, and in northwestern Germany. Wikipedia describes it as of English and Scottish origin. In the US this spelling has absorbed many patronymics from Adam in other languages.
Spellings and related forms: Addams, McAdam, MacAdam.
The name means 'son of Adam', so two linked rings, one larger than the other, stand for the tie between father and son.
Most surnames have no single "family crest". In heraldry, a coat of arms belonged to one person and passed down one line of descent. Sites that sell "the Adams coat of arms" usually show the arms of one historic family that shared the name. Ours is different on purpose: an original design built from what the name means, which any Adams can own honestly.
Blankets: soft velveteen plush (100% polyester), printed on one side; may run up to 3 in. short of the listed size. Rugs: polyester chenille with hemmed edges and a coated backing, for indoor use. Both are printed in the USA (Georgia and North Carolina).
Name meanings come from the sources above, checked 2026-10. Where scholars disagree, we say so.