Surname Abrams - Meaning and Origin

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Discovering my lineage through my surname 'Abrams' was a fascinating escapade beginning from biblical times to modern day. A journey through diverse cultures and regions, the iGENEA DNA test provided a unique insight into the Jewish history of my ancestors, their migratory patterns and the enduring endurance they cultivated.

O. Abrams

Abrams: What does the surname Abrams mean?

The surname Abrams is of Hebrew origin and is derived from the personal name Abraham, which means "father of many." The addition of the "s" at the end of the name signifies "son of," indicating a patrilineal descent. Therefore, Abrams could be interpreted as "son of Abraham." Abraham is a significant figure in the Old Testament of the Bible, revered as a patriarch in the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic faiths. With time, the name was adopted in various forms by different cultures across Europe. The name Abrams, therefore, not only carries a religious connotation but also indicates a lineage linked to the name Abraham. While it is mainly a Jewish surname, it has also been used by non-Jews.

Abrams: Where does the name Abrams come from?

The surname Abrams is of Hebrew origin and derived from "Abraham", which means “father of multitudes” in Hebrew. It was initially used as a patronymic surname, used by the ancient Jewish people to distinguish themselves by the name of their male ancestors. It is also common for the surname Abrams to have developed when Jews were compelled to adopt surnames for tax and census purposes. Although it is predominantly found among Jewish populations, it is also found among non-Jewish individuals.

Today, Abrams is common in the United States, particularly in the New York metropolitan area. This is mainly due to the immigration of Jewish people from Europe during the 19th and 20th centuries. Apart from the United States, the surname Abrams can also be found in English-speaking countries like Canada, England, and Australia. It is also prevalent in Israel due to Jewish populations living there. It's important to note that besides the original Abrams, the spelling of the surname can vary and in various regions, you may encounter Abramson, Abramsky, Abramov, etc.

Variations of the surname Abrams

Abrams is a surname of Hebrew origin. It derives from the biblical name Abraham, which means 'father of many'. Variations of Abrams include Abram, Abramson, Abraham, Abrahams, and Abramovitz. The spelling can also vary, with Abrams sometimes spelled as Abrahams or Abram.

In terms of geography, the surname Abrams and its variations can be found in many different groups of Jewish communities around the world including Ashkenazi, Sephardic, and Mizrahi Jews.

Some other variants include Abramov, Abramovich, Abramovsky, Abramowa, and Avram, which are particularly prevalent in Russia and Eastern Europe. Abramoff and Abramowitz are commonly found in American Jewish communities.

In non-English speaking countries, translations or transcriptions of the name are used. For example, in Spanish-speaking countries, it is often translated to Abrahán or Abram.

Abrams can also be anglicized in different ways. For example, in British communities, it could be translated to Ebrahim. Other smoewhat related surnames can include Brahm, Brahms, Abercrombie, and Abernathy which hark back to the original roots in Abraham.

It's worth noting that while Abrams and its variants can be Jewish surnames, not all people with these surnames are Jewish, as names can change and adapt over generations and migrations.

Famous people with the name Abrams

• J.J. Abrams: Known as a prolific film and television producer, director, and writer. He is the creator of several hit shows such as "Lost," "Alias," and "Fringe." He also directed movies like "Star Trek," "Mission: Impossible III," and "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
• Stacey Abrams: An American politician, lawyer, voting rights activist, and author who served in the Georgia House of Representatives. She was the Democratic Party's nominee in the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial election.
• Dan Abrams: A television host, legal commentator, and author. He's currently the chief legal affairs anchor for ABC News and hosts the show "Live PD" on A&E.
• Elliot Abrams: An American diplomat and lawyer who served in foreign policy positions for U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. He was also a senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.
• Floyd Abrams: An American attorney, well-known as an advocate for the First Amendment. He's argued numerous significant First Amendment cases in the U.S. Supreme Court.
• Creighton Abrams: A former United States Army General who commanded military operations in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1972.
• Ron Abrams: A former Major League Baseball player.
• Austin Abrams: An American actor known for roles in "The Walking Dead," "Euphoria," and the film "Paper Towns."
• Bryan Abrams: An American singer-songwriter and member of the pop group Color Me Badd.

Other surnames

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