Declining since 2011, #2,332 for boys today.
Popularity of Amare since 1997
Babies named Amare per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 | 20 |
| 2000s | 142 | 2,061 |
| 2010s | 184 | 3,401 |
| 2020s | 55 | 668 |
Meaning & origin
Amare entered the U.S. naming landscape in 1997, a relatively recent addition to the roster of boys' names. Its rise to prominence was swift: by 2011 it reached its peak rank, though it has since fallen in popularity. In 2025, Amare ranked 2,332nd, with about 1 in 28,950 newborn boys receiving the name. The name is most frequently used in New York, suggesting a possible cultural or regional preference. While its etymology is often tied to the Italian word for 'to love,' it also resonates with the Ethiopian Amara, giving it a cross-cultural appeal. The name's trajectory since 2011 indicates a decreasing trend, though it remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking a melodic, meaningful name. Its sound aligns with other fashionable 'A' names like Aria and Elio, making it a sibling-friendly option for modern families.
Amare is a modern name that appears to derive from the Italian verb 'amare,' meaning 'to love.' It gained use in the United States from the late 1990s onward, likely influenced by similar-sounding names like Amar and Amari. In Ethiopia, Amare (also spelled Amara) is a given name meaning 'beautiful' or 'pleasant' in the Amharic language, but the Italian origin is more commonly cited for the English-speaking usage. The name peaked in popularity in the U.S. in 2011.
Where Amare 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ama, Ari, Mare
Sibling names for Amare
Names that share Amare's style, for a brother or sister.
