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Amy Girl

Popularity: #216 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationAY-mee / /ˈeɪ.mi/

Latin; Old French

Meaning

Beloved; friend

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Amy derives from the Latin name "Amata," which means "beloved." This Latin term is rooted in the verb "amare," meaning "to love." The name transitioned into Old French as "Amee," which also carried the meaning of "beloved." The introduction of the name into English occurred during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, when many Old French names were adopted into the English language, particularly among the aristocracy and the emerging middle class.

Throughout history, the name Amy has been associated with various notable figures and literary works. In the 13th century, the name was popularized in England, partly due to its use in medieval literature. One significant milestone was its appearance in Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" in the 14th century, where it was used in the context of courtly love. The name also gained prominence through its association with saints, particularly Saint Amata, a 5th-century saint venerated in the Christian tradition.

Culturally, the name Amy has resonated through various artistic expressions, including literature and music. It has been used in numerous works, such as Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" in the 19th century, where the character Amy March embodies traits of creativity and ambition. The name's enduring appeal can be attributed to its positive connotations of affection and warmth, making it a favored choice in various cultures. Additionally, diminutive forms such as "Ami" have emerged, reflecting the name's adaptability and affectionate nature. Overall, Amy's linguistic roots, historical milestones, and cultural significance contribute to its lasting presence in the English-speaking world.

Trend Summary

Amy was most popular in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, but has seen a decline in usage since then.

Similar Names

AvaMayaAmyraAllyAylaAnyaAmiAimee

Variants

  • Aimee
  • Aimi

International Variants

  • Aimee (French)
  • Amie (English)
  • Amaya (Spanish)

Famous people named Amy

Amy Adams is an actress best known for Arrival, Enchanted, and American Hustle.

Amy Poehler is an actress and comedian best known for Parks and Recreation, Saturday Night Live, and Inside Out.

Amy Winehouse was a singer and songwriter best known for Back to Black, Rehab, and You Know I'm No Good.

Amy Schumer is a comedian and actress best known for Trainwreck, Inside Amy Schumer, and The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo.

Amy Tan is an author best known for The Joy Luck Club, The Kitchen God's Wife, and The Bonesetter's Daughter.

Amy Brenneman is an actress and producer best known for Judging Amy, NYPD Blue, and Heat.

Amy Smart is an actress best known for Varsity Blues, Butterfly Effect, and Crank.

Amy Jo Johnson is an actress and singer best known for Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Felicity, and The Division.

Amy Landecker is an actress best known for Transparent, A Serious Man, and Dan in Real Life.

Amy Sedaris is an actress and comedian best known for Strangers with Candy, At Home with Amy Sedaris, and Elf.

Fictional characters named Amy

Amy Pond is a fictional character from the TV series Doctor Who. She is a companion of the Doctor who travels through time and space, playing a crucial role in several story arcs.

Amy Dunne is a fictional character from the novel and film Gone Girl. She is a complex and manipulative woman whose disappearance becomes the center of a media frenzy and a police investigation.

Amy March is a fictional character from the novel Little Women. She is the youngest of the March sisters, known for her artistic aspirations and personal growth throughout the story.

Amy Wong is a fictional character from the animated television series Futurama. She is a graduate student and a member of the Planet Express crew, often providing comic relief with her quirky personality.

Amy Rose is a fictional character from the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series. She is a determined and optimistic hedgehog who has a strong affection for Sonic and often seeks to prove her worth.

Sibling Suggestions

EmmaEllaAnnaMiaLilySophie

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Amy was first seen in the United States in 1880. Amy has ranked as high as #9 nationally, which occurred in 1975, and has been most popular in California, New York, Ohio, Texas, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Amy has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Amy (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 216
17%
CA 172
13%
FL 159
12%
NY 91
7%
MD 52
4%
NJ 45
3%
GA 43
3%
NC 41
3%
VA 39
3%
IL 37
3%
MA 36
3%
OH 32
2%
WA 32
2%
PA 29
2%
UT 22
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880167
1881145
1882196
1883209
1884205
1885240
1886226
1887251
1888236
1889252
1890275
1891266
1892331
1893281
1894329
1895303
1896320
1897315
1898341
1899281
1900335
1901244
1902255
1903242
1904255
1905269
1906240
1907247
1908245
1909244
1910287
1911296
1912371
1913387
1914472
1915624
1916595
1917610
1918573
1919609
1920624
1921619
1922612
1923596
1924604
1925560
1926494
1927446
1928366
1929343
1930386
1931347
1932341
1933303
1934322
1935325
1936334
1937326
1938354
1939364
1940390
1941424
1942473
1943463
1944447
1945439
1946520
1947577
1948611
1949984
19501,184
19511,445
19521,750
19532,306
19542,676
19553,192
19563,547
19574,081
19584,822
19595,580
19605,973
19616,610
19627,185
19638,228
19649,575
196511,530
196612,998
196716,123
196817,092
196921,462
197025,213
197126,237
197225,872
197326,964
197429,564
197532,253
197631,339
197726,730
197823,214
197921,609
198019,833
198120,344
198218,800
198317,096
198415,990
198514,429
198613,451
198711,787
198810,034
19898,898
19908,464
19917,275
19926,340
19935,420
19944,691
19954,529
19964,067
19973,691
19983,485
19993,207
20003,173
20012,938
20023,095
20032,880
20043,115
20052,957
20062,745
20072,829
20082,541
20092,484
20102,283
20112,191
20122,238
20132,239
20142,193
20152,043
20161,845
20171,739
20181,511
20191,480
20201,339
20211,564
20221,414
20231,489
20241,344