Amara: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Amara mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Greek: Unfading, eternal beauty
Sanskrit: Immortal
Italian: Bitter
African/Igbo: Urgently beautiful
Latin: Bitter, grace

Gender: Female

Syllables: 3

Pronunciation: The name Amara is pronounced ah-MAH-rah

The name Amara is quite the multicultural name, sharing various origins. It can be of Latin, Igbo, Italian, or Greek origin, meaning "bitter; grace." It can also be a Sanskrit name meaning "immortal" and a Mongolian name meaning "peaceful." Regardless of the origin, it is believed to share the same root as Mary and Miriam, which derives from the Igbo language.

Girl name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Italian: variant of Amaro.

Muslim (mainly Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh): probably a variant of Omar.

Amara in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Amara Aquilla from X-Men comics - A mutant with the ability to control volcanic activity and Earth's tectonic plates, often going by the name Magma.
Amara from Supernatural - The darkness itself, a primordial entity and sister of God, seeking understanding and connection with the world she is at odds with.
Amara Namani from Pacific Rim: Uprising - A brilliant and resourceful Jaeger pilot with a strong survivor's instinct and a knack for engineering.
Amara from The Vampire Diaries - The original doppelgänger cursed with true immortality, bearing a tragic love story that transcends time.
Amara Tenoh from Sailor Moon - Also known as Sailor Uranus, part of the Outer Senshi devoted to protecting the Solar System with powers over the sky and precognition.

Popularity of the Name Amara

According to Social Security Administration data, the name Amara has gained notable popularity in the United States. Amara has risen in prominence, securing positions within the top 200 names and showing a positive trend in recent years. This name's appeal stems from its elegant and unique sound, attracting parents seeking distinctive yet beautiful names for their children.

Not only is Amara a favored choice among modern parents, but it also holds historical significance with figures like Amara Walker, a renowned journalist and activist. Additionally, actors such as Amara Miller and Amara Karan, and characters like Amara Aquilla from X-Men, have contributed to the name's presence in the entertainment industry, further solidifying its cultural relevance and allure. It has also been used for characters in the Marvel Universe, The Vampire Diaries, Supernatural, and Creed II.