Amara Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: ah-MAH-rah /əˈmɑːrə/
Origin: Igbo; Latin; Sanskrit
Meaning: Igbo: grace; Latin: immortal; Sanskrit: eternal
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Amara has its roots in multiple linguistic traditions, primarily deriving from the Igbo language of Nigeria, where it means "grace" or "mercy." The name is also found in Sanskrit, where it translates to "immortal" or "eternal." This dual etymology highlights the name's rich cultural significance across different societies. The journey of Amara into English is less direct, as it has primarily been adopted through cultural exchanges and the diaspora of African and Indian communities, rather than through a linear linguistic evolution typical of many Western names.
Historically, the name Amara has been associated with various figures and concepts across cultures. In the context of Igbo culture, it is often linked to the values of kindness and compassion, reflecting the importance of these traits within the community.
In Sanskrit literature, the notion of immortality associated with Amara has philosophical implications, often tied to spiritual beliefs and the quest for eternal life. While there are no specific biblical or royal figures named Amara, the name's presence in significant cultural texts and its adoption in various religious contexts contribute to its historical resonance.
Culturally, Amara embodies themes of grace and eternity, making it a name that carries deep symbolic weight. Its associations with mercy in Igbo culture and immortality in Sanskrit highlight the universal human concerns of kindness and the desire for lasting legacy.
The name has also seen variations and diminutives in different cultures, although these are less documented in historical texts. Overall, Amara stands as a name that transcends its linguistic origins, embodying values that resonate across diverse cultures and epochs.
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Amara was first seen in the United States in 1961. Amara has ranked as high as #267 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Amara has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Amara (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 299 | |
| TX | 252 | |
| FL | 158 | |
| NY | 109 | |
| OH | 94 | |
| NC | 92 | |
| PA | 76 | |
| IL | 69 | |
| WA | 60 | |
| VA | 57 | |
| IN | 56 | |
| AZ | 54 | |
| NJ | 52 | |
| GA | 48 | |
| TN | 46 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1961 | 5 |
| 1967 | 6 |
| 1968 | 8 |
| 1969 | 11 |
| 1970 | 17 |
| 1971 | 19 |
| 1972 | 17 |
| 1973 | 14 |
| 1974 | 29 |
| 1975 | 26 |
| 1976 | 21 |
| 1977 | 27 |
| 1978 | 14 |
| 1979 | 30 |
| 1980 | 31 |
| 1981 | 38 |
| 1982 | 38 |
| 1983 | 47 |
| 1984 | 36 |
| 1985 | 62 |
| 1986 | 61 |
| 1987 | 68 |
| 1988 | 66 |
| 1989 | 77 |
| 1990 | 131 |
| 1991 | 107 |
| 1992 | 114 |
| 1993 | 103 |
| 1994 | 115 |
| 1995 | 139 |
| 1996 | 146 |
| 1997 | 169 |
| 1998 | 179 |
| 1999 | 197 |
| 2000 | 287 |
| 2001 | 263 |
| 2002 | 297 |
| 2003 | 406 |
| 2004 | 456 |
| 2005 | 501 |
| 2006 | 511 |
| 2007 | 522 |
| 2008 | 534 |
| 2009 | 516 |
| 2010 | 447 |
| 2011 | 491 |
| 2012 | 514 |
| 2013 | 497 |
| 2014 | 607 |
| 2015 | 691 |
| 2016 | 1,085 |
| 2017 | 1,500 |
| 2018 | 1,587 |
| 2019 | 1,996 |
| 2020 | 1,918 |
| 2021 | 1,920 |
| 2022 | 2,046 |
| 2023 | 2,280 |
| 2024 | 2,288 |