Adama
Adama is a Muslim unisex name meaning “Of the earth; form of Adam”.
| Meaning | Of the earth; form of Adam |
|---|---|
| Gender | Unisex |
| Origin | West African form of Adam |
| Arabic spelling | آدم |
| Pronunciation | ah-DAH-mah |
| Arabic root | أ د م (ʾ-d-m) — earth, skin |
| Muslim name? | Islamic / Arabic name |
Meaning and origin of Adama
Adama is the West African form of Adam (آدم), the name of the first human and the first prophet in Islam. Arabic scholars have long linked the name to adīm, the surface of the earth, explaining that Adam was created from earth; others connect it with a root meaning a brownish skin tone. That is why the name is often translated as 'of the earth', though most families choose it simply to honour the Prophet Adam.
The final '-a' reflects local pronunciation in the Mande, Wolof and related languages of the region, where Adam is commonly said as Adama. The name is especially common in Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire and The Gambia, and it travelled with migrants to France, Spain and elsewhere in Europe. It is used mostly for boys, but in some communities it is also given to girls. In Hausa-speaking northern Nigeria the equivalent form is Adamu, while Turkish uses Adem. Pronunciation is ah-DAH-mah.
Famous people named Adama
- Adama Barrow — President of The Gambia since 2017
- Adama Traoré — Spanish footballer
Is Adama a Muslim name?
Yes. Adama is a Muslim name. It is the West African form of Adam, the first prophet, and is common among Muslims in Senegal, Mali and Guinea.
Is Adama in the Quran?
Adam is named in the Quran 25 times, for example in 2:31: 'And He taught Adam the names of all things.'
Where is the name Adama used?
Very common in Francophone West Africa. In northern Nigeria the equivalent is Adamu.
Gifts with the name Adama
- Adama name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Adama baby gifts (Amazon)
- Islamic baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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Spellings and variants of Adama
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More unisex names like Adama
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Adama mean?
Adama means 'Of the earth; form of Adam'. It comes from West African form of Adam.
Is Adama a Muslim name?
Yes. Adama is a Muslim name. It is the West African form of Adam, the first prophet, and is common among Muslims in Senegal, Mali and Guinea.
How do you write Adama in Arabic?
Adama is written آدم in Arabic script.
How do you pronounce Adama?
Adama is pronounced ah-DAH-mah.
Is Adama mentioned in the Quran?
Adam is named in the Quran 25 times, for example in 2:31: 'And He taught Adam the names of all things.'
Is Adama the same as Adam?
Yes. Adama is the West African form of Adam, the first prophet in Islam.
Is Adama a boy or girl name?
It is mostly a boy's name, but in parts of West Africa it is also given to girls.