Rising since 2000, #2,390 for boys today.
Popularity of Amaru since 1996
Babies named Amaru per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 79 |
| 2000s | 235 |
| 2010s | 328 |
| 2020s | 342 |
Meaning & origin
Amaru is a name of Quechua origin, meaning 'serpent' or 'snake,' drawn from the mythological earth-dwelling creature of Inca cosmology. Though rare, the name has been steadily rising in popularity since 2000, reflecting a growing interest in indigenous names. In 2025, it ranked 2,390th in the U.S., with about 1 in 29,966 male newborns given the name. Its peak year was 2021, and it is most frequently used in Florida and California, states with larger Latino and indigenous-heritage populations. Amaru's appeal lies in its strong cultural roots and distinctive sound, making it a meaningful choice for those seeking a name with deep Andean significance.
Amaru is derived from the Quechua word 'amaru,' referring to a mythical serpent or dragon in Andean cosmology. In Inca mythology, the amaru was a powerful earth-dwelling creature associated with wisdom and the underworld. The name gained modern use outside indigenous communities through cultural appreciation and as a distinctive choice in the United States since the late 1990s.
Where Amaru is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Amaru” around the world
Where Amaru lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ama, Maru
Sibling names for Amaru
Names that share Amaru's style, for a brother or sister.
