Declining since 1987, #520 for girls today.
Popularity of Amber since 1880
Babies named Amber per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 46 |
| 1890s | 131 |
| 1900s | 170 |
| 1910s | 327 |
| 1920s | 304 |
| 1930s | 192 |
| 1940s | 537 |
| 1950s | 1,255 |
| 1960s | 5,467 |
| 1970s | 47,063 |
| 1980s | 153,951 |
| 1990s | 115,605 |
| 2000s | 36,217 |
| 2010s | 10,023 |
| 2020s | 3,402 |
Meaning & origin
Amber entered the U.S. Social Security Administration records in 1880, but its major rise began in the late 1960s, peaking at rank 13 in 1986. Since then, it has steadily declined; as of 2025, it sits at rank 520, with a 1-in-2,790 usage rate. The name is most historically concentrated in states like Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. While no longer a top contender, Amber remains a recognizable and pleasant nature-inspired choice, evoking the warm hues of its namesake resin.
Amber derives from the Arabic word 'anbar', via Old French 'ambre', and originally referred to ambergris, a whale secretion used in perfumery. Later, it became associated with the fossilized resin. The name came into use as a given name in the late 19th century but surged in popularity in the 1980s, likely influenced by the novel 'Forever Amber' (1944) and the 1947 film adaptation.
Where Amber is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Amber” around the world
Where Amber lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
40
babies in 2024
Ireland
31
babies in 2025
New Zealand
#100
in 2025
Quebec
9
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Amy, Ambie
Sibling names for Amber
Names that share Amber's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Ashley, Heather, Crystal, Brittany, Lauren, Alisha, Brandy, Jacquelyn, Jasmine, Jessica, Jessie, Krystal, Melanie, Shelly, Wendy, Ashlee, Beryl, Brandee, Chrystal, Diamond, Garnet, Kristal, Lynsey, Rubi, Rubie, Tiffani, Britnee, Deserae, Dymond, Jenee, Jerrica, Melony, Sapphire, Tausha, Tawny, Tiffaney, Brandice, Brandye, Brittanee, Chelsa, Crystall, Crystle, Cyrstal, Desaray, Garnette, Jamielee, Jennelle, Jewelz, Kamber, Karyssa, Kristle, Krystalyn, Krystel, Marily, Saffron, Saphire, Tawnie, Tifanie, Tifany, Tiffanee, Tiffiney, Tiphanie, Tyann, Candance, Chantil, Denea, Destaney, Deziree, Dimond, Jasamine, Jennel, Jonee, Kandyce, Mahagony, Nykole, Rubee, Taffany, Tiffane, Tiffiny, Tiphani, Topaz, Tyffany, Amand, Britiany, Tiffannie, Allesha, Ambert, Brandyce, Britaney, Brittanya, Brittnei, Brittony, Chrystle, Cystal, Desirre, Diamonds, Jenyfer, Kandiss, Kimbly, Kristalynn, Krystall, Linday, Mellonie, Mellony, Nicholl, Raschelle, Samanth, Tifanny, Tifini, Tyffani
Brothers: Brandon, Dustin, Jason, Kevin, Tyler, Jarrett, Jasper, Elvis, Golden, Jerod, Kirk, Chadd, Jarrad, Justen, Jaryd, Chadwin, Jasun, Jerame
Names like Amber
Names whose popularity has moved with Amber's over the last 50 years.
