Girl · 17th of 27,321
Amber
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
375,082
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1986
Peak Popularity Year
17,009
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Amber stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Amber originates from the Arabic and Persian words referring to ambergris, which is linked to fossilized tree resin. It evolved through Arabic and French before becoming established in English. The name signifies warmth and natural beauty, has no biblical relevance, and gained popularity in the 20th century. It is often viewed positively and is associated with a contemporary and nature-related image.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈæm.bər/
Origin
Arabic and Persian
Etymology
The name Amber is derived from the Arabic word 'anbar', which refers to ambergris, a substance used in perfumery. It was later adopted into French, where it referred to the fossilized tree resin that is often used as a gemstone.
Meaning
fossilized tree resin
Language Evolution
anbar (Arabic), ambre (French), amber (English)
Historical Usage
The name Amber gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in the United States, as a given name for girls, reflecting a trend of using nature-inspired names.
Variants & Derivatives
Ambra, Ambre, Ammber
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Amber is perceived as a warm and vibrant name, often associated with beauty and nature. It remains a popular choice for girls in various cultures.
Famous People
Amber Heard, Amber Riley, Amber Tamblyn
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Gradually Declining
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 17,009 peak births in 1986
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Alaska
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 5 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 11 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 7552nd of 7552 | 5 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2805th of 10718 | 202 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1769th of 16616 | 665 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 8864th of 24088 | 107 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1185th of 9107 | 724 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1664th of 9204 | 425 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 710th of 12526 | 3,495 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 88th of 19264 | 63,211 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 17th of 27321 | 233,318 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 79th of 35406 | 63,792 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 429th of 30306 | 8,946 |