Amma Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: AH-muh //ˈɑː.mə//
Origin: African; Sanskrit
Meaning: African: mother; Sanskrit: earth
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Amma has its roots in various linguistic traditions, primarily deriving from the Hebrew word 'ammah,' which means 'mother' or 'nurse.' This term has influenced several cultures and languages, leading to its adoption in different forms. In the context of the Hebrew Bible, the concept of motherhood is significant, as it embodies nurturing and care, which are central themes in many religious texts.
The name has also been linked to the Arabic word 'umm,' which carries a similar meaning, further emphasizing the maternal connotation across cultures. The transition into English likely occurred through the influence of Hebrew and Arabic texts, particularly during periods of increased cultural exchange, such as the Middle Ages when translations of religious texts became more common.
Historically, the name Amma has been associated with various figures in religious and cultural narratives. In the Christian tradition, the term is sometimes used to refer to the Virgin Mary, who is often seen as a maternal figure.
Additionally, in some African cultures, 'Amma' is a term of endearment for mothers and is used in various local dialects, signifying respect and reverence for motherhood. The name has also appeared in literature and folklore, often symbolizing wisdom and nurturing qualities that are highly valued in many societies.
Culturally, the name Amma resonates with themes of motherhood, care, and community. It embodies the qualities of nurturing and support, which are essential in familial and social structures.
The enduring nature of the name can be attributed to its deep-rooted significance in various cultures, where the role of a mother is celebrated and honored. In some contexts, diminutive forms or variations of the name may arise, but the core meaning remains tied to the concept of maternal love and guidance, ensuring its continued relevance across generations.
Famous people named Amma
In this section, you will find notable people named Amma. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Amma who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Amma who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Amma is a spiritual leader best known for her humanitarian work and the practice of hugging as a form of blessing.
Amma Asante is a filmmaker best known for Belle, A United Kingdom, and Where Hands Touch.
Fictional characters named Amma
The following list of fictional characters named Amma is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Amma is a fictional character from the novel The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy. She is the twins' grandmother who plays a significant role in their upbringing and the family's complex history.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Amma, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Amma. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Amma was first seen in the United States in 1886.
Amma has ranked as high as #13065 nationally, which occurred in 2019, and has been most popular in New York, and Texas.
In the past 5 years the name Amma has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Amma is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Amma was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Amma.
| Year | Total Births | Girl |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 10 | 10 |
| 2024 | 5 | 5 |
| 2023 | 7 | 7 |
| 2022 | 9 | 9 |
| 2021 | 9 | 9 |
| 2020 | 5 | 5 |
| 2019 | 14 | 14 |
| 2018 | 11 | 11 |
| 2016 | 12 | 12 |
| 2015 | 8 | 8 |
| 2014 | 7 | 7 |
| 2013 | 5 | 5 |
| 2012 | 7 | 7 |
| 2011 | 6 | 6 |
| 2009 | 5 | 5 |
| 2008 | 6 | 6 |
| 2006 | 11 | 11 |
| 2005 | 7 | 7 |
| 2004 | 5 | 5 |
| 2003 | 11 | 11 |
| 2001 | 7 | 7 |
| 1999 | 5 | 5 |
| 1998 | 9 | 9 |
| 1997 | 8 | 8 |
| 1995 | 5 | 5 |
| 1994 | 8 | 8 |
| 1993 | 7 | 7 |
| 1992 | 6 | 6 |
| 1989 | 8 | 8 |
| 1988 | 5 | 5 |
| 1987 | 7 | 7 |
| 1984 | 10 | 10 |
| 1982 | 9 | 9 |
| 1981 | 13 | 13 |
| 1979 | 9 | 9 |
| 1978 | 5 | 5 |
| 1977 | 8 | 8 |
| 1975 | 5 | 5 |
| 1969 | 5 | 5 |
| 1952 | 6 | 6 |
| 1943 | 7 | 7 |
| 1940 | 7 | 7 |
| 1937 | 10 | 10 |
| 1936 | 5 | 5 |
| 1934 | 7 | 7 |
| 1933 | 6 | 6 |
| 1930 | 10 | 10 |
| 1928 | 10 | 10 |
| 1927 | 8 | 8 |
| 1926 | 12 | 12 |
| 1925 | 10 | 10 |
| 1924 | 9 | 9 |
| 1923 | 9 | 9 |
| 1922 | 7 | 7 |
| 1921 | 9 | 9 |
| 1920 | 5 | 5 |
| 1919 | 10 | 10 |
| 1918 | 5 | 5 |
| 1917 | 11 | 11 |
| 1916 | 6 | 6 |
| 1914 | 10 | 10 |
| 1913 | 6 | 6 |
| 1912 | 9 | 9 |
| 1908 | 7 | 7 |
| 1907 | 6 | 6 |
| 1906 | 7 | 7 |
| 1904 | 5 | 5 |
| 1902 | 5 | 5 |
| 1900 | 7 | 7 |
| 1899 | 6 | 6 |
| 1898 | 6 | 6 |
| 1897 | 10 | 10 |
| 1894 | 5 | 5 |
| 1893 | 5 | 5 |
| 1889 | 5 | 5 |
| 1887 | 7 | 7 |
| 1886 | 5 | 5 |
Top States for Amma (1981)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 5 |