Rising since 1992, #1,388 for boys today.
Popularity of Amar since 1967
Babies named Amar per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 0 | 16 |
| 1970s | 0 | 258 |
| 1980s | 0 | 499 |
| 1990s | 35 | 555 |
| 2000s | 73 | 1,272 |
| 2010s | 136 | 1,472 |
| 2020s | 101 | 917 |
Meaning & origin
Amar is a name with deep roots in both Arabic and Sanskrit, meaning 'immortal' or 'eternal.' In the United States, it has been in use since at least 1967, but its popularity began a steady rise in 1992, reflecting growing interest in cross-cultural names. As of 2025, it ranks 1388 nationally, with about 1 in 12940 boys receiving the name. Its peak year was 2023, and it continues to trend upward. The name is most common in Minnesota, Michigan, and New York, suggesting a concentration in communities with diverse heritages. Amar offers a short, strong sound that pairs well with many middle and last names, and its dual heritage gives it broad appeal.
Amar has two principal origins. In Arabic, it is a direct Quranic name meaning 'one who builds' or 'prosperous,' though it is more commonly associated with the sense of 'long-lived' or 'immortal.' In Sanskrit, it is derived from 'amara' (immortal) and appears in Hindu mythology as a name for gods and sages. The name has been used across the Muslim world and in South Asia.
Where Amar is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Amar” around the world
Where Amar lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
60
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Am, Ari
Sibling names for Amar
Names that share Amar's style, for a brother or sister.
