"ambergris, waxy substance"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
Amber
Pronunciation: [ AMB-er ]
Does Amber flow with your last name?
Golden as the gemstone, warm as summer light
English
American
British
Earthy
Vintage
Warm
Gentle
Classic
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
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Things to Know About This Name
- Name is associated with the AMBER Alert emergency broadcast system for missing children
The Story of Amber
Amber comes from the Arabic word 'anbar', which originally referred to ambergris — a waxy substance from sperm whales used in perfume. The word was later applied to the golden-yellow fossilized tree resin (amber) found on Baltic seashores, which was highly prized in antiquity for jewelry and its electrical properties. The English name was adopted in the Victorian era as nature names gained fashion.
Amber peaked in the United States in the 1980s and early 1990s, ranking in the top 10 girls' names in 1986. Its warm, nature-inspired sound made it very popular in that era. It has declined significantly since then but remains a recognizable name with nostalgic warmth.
Amber holds scientific significance — prehistoric insects and plant material preserved in amber provide invaluable paleontological evidence, famously featured in Jurassic Park. The name carries the warmth and translucency of the gemstone, evoking golden light and preserved beauty.
Historical Record
Amber first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 372,396 babies have been named Amber in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Amber is past its peak , currently ranked #541 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Amber is one of the oldest gemstones used for jewelry, dating back 13,000 years
- AMBER Alert was named after Amber Hagerman, a 9-year-old kidnapped in 1996
- Ancient Greeks called amber 'elektron' — the origin of the word 'electricity'
Amber in Other Languages
Arabic
عنبر
French
Ambre
German
Bernstein (meaning amber)
Italian
Ambra
Spanish
Ámbar
Popularity Over Time
#541
Current Rank
Peaked 1986
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Amber
A
Amber Heard
Actor
1986
American actress known for Aquaman and The Rum Diary
A
Amber Rose
Entertainer
1983
American model, actress, and television personality
A
Amber Freeman Fictional
Other
Main antagonist in the Scream (2022) film reboot
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #541
- Total SSA Count
- 558
- Cultural Origins
- English American British
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Amb
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Amber
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Amber is also used as a boy name, ranked #19344.
View Amber as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Amber
What does the name Amber mean?
"ambergris, waxy substance" (from Arabic). Amber comes from the Arabic word 'anbar', which originally referred to ambergris — a waxy substance from sperm whales used in perfume. The word was later applied to the golden-yellow fossilized tree resin (amber) found on Baltic seashores, which was highly prized in antiquity for jewelry and its electrical properties. The English name was adopted in the Victorian era as nature names gained fashion.
What is the origin of the name Amber?
Amber has Arabic, English, American, and British origins. In Arabic, it means "ambergris, waxy substance".
Is Amber a boy or girl name?
Amber is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #541. As a boy name, it is ranked #19344. Amber is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Amber?
Amber is pronounced AMB-er.
How popular is the name Amber?
Amber is currently ranked #541 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Amber?
Common nicknames for Amber include Amb.
What are good middle names for Amber?
Popular middle name pairings include Amber Rose, Amber Lynn, Amber Marie, Amber Grace, Amber Nicole, and Amber Lee.
What are good sibling names for Amber?
Names that pair well with Amber as siblings include Crystal, Jade, Opal, Chase, Devon, and Sierra.
How many syllables does Amber have?
Amber has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Amber a common or rare name?
Amber is moderately common, ranked #541 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Amber?
Are there other spellings for Amber?
Related spellings include Amberly.
About the Name Amber
Amber is a girl name with English, American, and British origins . The name means "ambergris, waxy substance" in Arabic .
Is Amber a boy or girl name? Amber is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #541 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #19,344. Amber is more commonly used as a girl name.
Amber is currently ranked #541 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Amber has 2 syllables and is pronounced AMB-er, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Amber include Amb. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Amber include Amberly . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis