Amanda Girl
Origin(s)
Pronunciationah-MAN-duh / əˈmændəLatin; Old French
Meaning
Latin: worthy of love; Old French: lovable
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Amanda has its roots in the Latin word "amanda," which means "worthy of love" or "lovable." This term is derived from the verb "amare," meaning "to love." The name was first recorded in the 17th century, gaining popularity through its use in literature and among the educated elite. The transition into English occurred as the name was adopted by various writers and poets, who appreciated its romantic connotations and lyrical quality.
One notable milestone in the name's history is its appearance in the works of the poet and playwright John Milton, who used it in his 1671 poem "Paradise Regained." The name also gained traction in the 18th century, particularly in England, where it was embraced by the upper classes and featured in various literary works. The 19th century saw further popularization, notably through the character Amanda in Tennessee Williams' play "The Glass Menagerie," which contributed to its cultural resonance.
Culturally, Amanda has been associated with themes of love and affection, aligning with its etymological roots. The name evokes a sense of warmth and tenderness, which has contributed to its lasting appeal across generations. Additionally, diminutive forms such as Mandy have emerged, reflecting a more informal and affectionate usage. Overall, Amanda's historical significance and linguistic origins underscore its enduring presence in various cultural contexts.
Trend Summary
Amanda was particularly popular in the United States from the 1970s to the early 2000s.
Similar Names
Variants
- Amandine
- Mandy
International Variants
- Amandine (French)
- Amanada (Spanish)
- Amandha (Portuguese)
Famous people named Amanda
Amanda Bynes is an actress best known for The Amanda Show, She's the Man, and Easy A.
Amanda Seyfried is an actress best known for Mean Girls, Les Misérables, and Mamma Mia!
Amanda Gorman is a poet best known for The Hill We Climb, Call Us What We Carry, and her inaugural poem.
Amanda Holden is an actress and television presenter best known for Britain's Got Talent, Wild at Heart, and Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Amanda Tapping is an actress and producer best known for Stargate SG-1, Sanctuary, and Supernatural.
Amanda Peet is an actress best known for Something's Gotta Give, The Whole Nine Yards, and Identity.
Fictional characters named Amanda
Amanda Waller is a fictional character from DC Comics. She is a government official known for her role in overseeing the Suicide Squad and other covert operations.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Amanda was first seen in the United States in 1880. Amanda has ranked as high as #6 nationally, which occurred in 1987, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Amanda has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Amanda (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 100 | |
CA | 67 | |
FL | 58 | |
PA | 47 | |
NY | 42 | |
OH | 22 | |
GA | 19 | |
IL | 19 | |
TN | 19 | |
IN | 17 | |
WI | 16 | |
NJ | 15 | |
NC | 12 | |
KY | 11 | |
VA | 11 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 241 |
1881 | 263 |
1882 | 288 |
1883 | 287 |
1884 | 337 |
1885 | 339 |
1886 | 370 |
1887 | 338 |
1888 | 404 |
1889 | 413 |
1890 | 392 |
1891 | 371 |
1892 | 455 |
1893 | 387 |
1894 | 418 |
1895 | 431 |
1896 | 367 |
1897 | 354 |
1898 | 371 |
1899 | 326 |
1900 | 377 |
1901 | 317 |
1902 | 301 |
1903 | 247 |
1904 | 294 |
1905 | 311 |
1906 | 260 |
1907 | 285 |
1908 | 260 |
1909 | 271 |
1910 | 278 |
1911 | 280 |
1912 | 310 |
1913 | 346 |
1914 | 375 |
1915 | 412 |
1916 | 421 |
1917 | 445 |
1918 | 397 |
1919 | 379 |
1920 | 379 |
1921 | 392 |
1922 | 341 |
1923 | 362 |
1924 | 341 |
1925 | 309 |
1926 | 311 |
1927 | 234 |
1928 | 247 |
1929 | 209 |
1930 | 196 |
1931 | 209 |
1932 | 213 |
1933 | 200 |
1934 | 189 |
1935 | 213 |
1936 | 192 |
1937 | 176 |
1938 | 192 |
1939 | 185 |
1940 | 218 |
1941 | 223 |
1942 | 295 |
1943 | 284 |
1944 | 238 |
1945 | 280 |
1946 | 273 |
1947 | 310 |
1948 | 306 |
1949 | 333 |
1950 | 380 |
1951 | 409 |
1952 | 416 |
1953 | 427 |
1954 | 428 |
1955 | 453 |
1956 | 639 |
1957 | 670 |
1958 | 792 |
1959 | 859 |
1960 | 976 |
1961 | 1,056 |
1962 | 948 |
1963 | 1,034 |
1964 | 1,275 |
1965 | 1,649 |
1966 | 2,331 |
1967 | 2,659 |
1968 | 2,431 |
1969 | 2,814 |
1970 | 3,546 |
1971 | 4,130 |
1972 | 4,181 |
1973 | 5,626 |
1974 | 7,473 |
1975 | 12,656 |
1976 | 15,589 |
1977 | 18,280 |
1978 | 20,519 |
1979 | 31,925 |
1980 | 35,811 |
1981 | 34,373 |
1982 | 34,214 |
1983 | 33,750 |
1984 | 33,913 |
1985 | 39,056 |
1986 | 40,532 |
1987 | 41,786 |
1988 | 39,459 |
1989 | 36,834 |
1990 | 34,413 |
1991 | 28,896 |
1992 | 25,039 |
1993 | 20,811 |
1994 | 18,718 |
1995 | 16,354 |
1996 | 13,980 |
1997 | 12,243 |
1998 | 10,928 |
1999 | 9,749 |
2000 | 8,558 |
2001 | 6,979 |
2002 | 6,145 |
2003 | 5,354 |
2004 | 4,691 |
2005 | 4,097 |
2006 | 3,362 |
2007 | 3,048 |
2008 | 2,448 |
2009 | 1,962 |
2010 | 1,664 |
2011 | 1,413 |
2012 | 1,236 |
2013 | 1,075 |
2014 | 1,060 |
2015 | 1,033 |
2016 | 1,005 |
2017 | 966 |
2018 | 855 |
2019 | 769 |
2020 | 695 |
2021 | 660 |
2022 | 691 |
2023 | 634 |
2024 | 617 |