Welcome to the Adams Family page at Surname Finder, a service of Genealogy Today. Our editors have compiled this checklist of genealogical resources, combining links to commercial databases along with user-contributed information and web sites for the Adams surname. As additional sources for vital records, original documents, vintage photographs and surname-based DNA projects are discovered, this page is updated to offer the best list for researching Adams ancestry. Share this page on Twitter!
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The Adams Family Tree
It is important to remember that there is no single Adams family tree, as last names were assigned to people for various reasons. We are often asked, How can I distinguish my Adams ancestor from others of the same name? and you might be surprised at the answer.
Best Tree Collections for Discovering Adams Ancestors
Adams Genealogy
Keep an open mind when searching through Adams records. Years ago many people were unable to read and write, thus a given ancestor's name could be spelled in a variety of ways depending on who recorded it. If you want to know How can I find where my Adams ancestor is buried?, then read this frequently asked question.
Top Five Genealogy Databases to Search for Adams
Vital records are essential for family history research because they were typically created at or near the time of the event, making the record more reliable.
There are currently matching Adams records at Ancestry.com!
Start exploring this online Adams family history resource today.
Death Records
Military Records
Origins of the Adams Surname
There are no clear, concise answers to why or how one of your Adams ancestors took on the surname. It may have been based on their occupation or a distinguising physical trait. Were you aware that Adams is considered a very common surname, which offers its own set of challenges? The article "Researching Common Names" may be helpful for your research. Keep in mind that it was not unusual for a last name to be altered as an ancestor entered a new country.
According to An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names [page 48], the surname ADAMS is defined as Man, earthly, or red. The surname of Adam is of great antiquity in Scotland.
Adams DNA Projects
While DNA testing cannot conclusively tell you if two Adams ancestors were related, it can easily prove if they weren't. Be sure you understand what types of research issues each different DNA test can address before you spend any money. If you are seeking an answer to the question, How do I know which DNA test is right for Adams research?, then this FAQ may help.
Adams Family History
Every family has a different history, and every document you discover about your Adams ancestors will help paint a picture that can be shared with your relatives. Our team of seasoned experts are here to help you learn about different aspects of genealogy. Reading "Faddish First Names" may help you think of some different tactics to compiling your Adams family history.
Photo Collections
Networking with Adams Researchers
One of the best ways to solve a genealogy problem is by enlisting the help of others through a message board query that is open to the public, allowing you to cast a wide net that can be accessed by anyone, around the world and around the clock --- at the same time, because it is a public forum, you will want to exercise caution in posting personal information or information about living persons. The article "The Art of Posting Queries" provides some valuable tips for posting successful Adams queries.
You may also want to consider posting a query to the Community Message Boards at Genealogy Today to get assistance from other researchers on your most elusive Adams ancestors.
Adams Achievements & Celebrities
Did you know that Adams was the 36th most popular surname in the 1990 census of the United States?
Web Sites & Blogs with Adams Research
If you are having difficulty locating records for the last name of Adams, contact the folks at ProGenealogists for a free research estimate. You may also find it helpful to read, "When, Why and How to Hire a Professional Genealogist."
RootsWeb search of US Naturalization Records
RootsWeb search of Obituary Daily Times
RootsWeb search of Social Security Death Index
To recommend your web site/blog for inclusion on this page, please submit a link to the user-contributed directory at Genealogy Today. Your web page may appear once its content has been reviewed by our editors.
Recently Discovered ADAMS Clippings and Mentions
Upcoming Adams Family Reunions
Family reunions are an ideal time interview older relatives and other Adams family members; you may want to consider a roundtable where you can gather different groups together at different times such as siblings to discuss their parents and childhood memories, cousins, aunts and uncles to discuss the grandparent generation, etc. - the collective memory and stimulus of shared experience can yield considerable information. The article "A Great Way to Unite a Newly-Found Family" may provide you with tips for hosting a successful Adams reunion.
See Also
Adans Adamc Adems Addams Adamse Adamso Adam Adan Attam Odam Adom Odom Adem Adame Adami Adamo Adamy MacAdams McAdams Dams
Surname Finder, The Adams Genealogy and Family Tree Page [on-line resource], New Providence, NJ, USA: Genealogy Today LLC, 2023.
