Date of Birth: 24 July, 1803

Place of Birth: Paris, France

Date of Death: 3 May, 1856

Place of Death: Paris, France

Ethnicity:
*father – Alsatian German
*mother – French

Adolphe Adam was a French composer, of the romantic era. He is known for his ballets and operas, and for the Christmas carol “Minuit, chrétiens”/”O Holy Night.”

Adolphe was the son of Élisabeth-Charlotte-Jeanne (Coste) and Jean-Louis/Johann Ludwig Adam. His father was born in Muttersholtz, Alsace, and was an Alsatian German. His mother was French. In 1775, his father moved to Paris, where he became professor at the Paris Conservatory.

Adolphe’s paternal grandfather was named Mathias Adam.

Adolphe’s paternal grandmother was named Marie-Dorothée Meyer.

Adolphe’s maternal grandfather was named Thomas Coste.

Adolphe’s maternal grandmother was named Charlotte Louise Delaporte.

Adolphe is sometimes described as having been of Jewish heritage. This is not accurate.

Sources: Genealogies of Adolphe Adam –

Short biography of Adolphe’s father –  (in French)