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Amara Girl

Popularity: #120 · Trend: ↗ Rising

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.

Famous people named Amara

Amara Karan is an actress best known for The Darjeeling Limited, St. Trinian's, and The Last Days on Mars.
Amara Miller is an actress best known for The Descendants, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and The Last House on the Left.

Fictional characters named Amara

Amara is a fictional character from the TV series Supernatural. She is an ancient and powerful entity known as the Darkness, representing chaos and destruction.

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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
14%
TX 252
12%
FL 158
7%
NY 109
5%
OH 94
4%
NC 92
4%
PA 76
4%
IL 69
3%
WA 60
3%
VA 57
3%
IN 56
3%
AZ 54
2%
NJ 52
2%
GA 48
2%
TN 46
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19615
19676
19688
196911
197017
197119
197217
197314
197429
197526
197621
197727
197814
197930
198031
198138
198238
198347
198436
198562
198661
198768
198866
198977
1990131
1991107
1992114
1993103
1994115
1995139
1996146
1997169
1998179
1999197
2000287
2001263
2002297
2003406
2004456
2005501
2006511
2007522
2008534
2009516
2010447
2011491
2012514
2013497
2014607
2015691
20161,085
20171,500
20181,587
20191,996
20201,918
20211,920
20222,046
20232,280
20242,288