The surname of ADAMSON was a baptismal name 'the son of Adam'. It was almost the prime favourite as a font-name in the 13th century. Early records of the name mention John filius Adam, County Oxford, 1273. Johannes Adamson, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. Thomas Williams and Anne Adams were married in London in the year 1619. The surname was taken early to Scotland, and Adam filius Ade was burgess in Suthberewick in the year 1261, and appears to be the first of the name on record there. John Adamson, a Scot, was granted a safe conduct to travel into England in the year 1433. Cuthbert Adamason was a notary public in Glasgow in 1587. A notable member of the name was Robert Adamson (1821-48) the Scottish chemist and pioneer in photography. With David Hill he helped to apply the process of making prints, for a commission to portray the founders of the Scottish Free Church in 1843, and went on to do landscapes and other portraits between 1843 and 1848. The use of fixed surnames or descriptive names appears to have commenced in France about the year 1000, and such names were introduced into Scotland through the Normans a little over one hundred years later, although the custom of using them was by no means common for many years afterwards. During the reign of Malcolm Ceannmor (1057-1093) the latter directed his chief subjects, after the custom of other nations, to adopt surnames from their territorial possessions, and there created 'The first erlis that euir was in Scotland'. This name was originally from the Hebrew personal name ADAM, which was borne according to Genesis, by the first man. It is of uncertain etymolology, and often said to be from the Hebrew ADAMA (earth). The Greek legend that Zeus fashioned the first human beings from earth. It was very popular as a given name throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. The associated arms are recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884. Registered in Scotland.

The name is also spelt as Adames, Adams and Adam.