Ambrose is a name of Latin origin, derived from the word "ambrosius," which means "immortal" or "imperishable." It is believed to have been coined by the poet Homer in his epic "The Iliad," where he describes the nectar that the gods drank as being ambrosia, giving them immortality. The name Ambrose was later used by several early Christian saints and theologians, including Saint Ambrose of Milan, a prominent church official during the 4th century.
The name Ambrose has been associated with wisdom, learning, and leadership throughout history. It is often chosen by parents who wish to bestow their child with a strong, intelligent, and timeless name. In English-speaking countries, Ambrose is most commonly used as a boy's name, although it can also be given to girls.
The name Ambrose has been popular among royalty and notable figures throughout history. For example, King Ambrose I of Germany ruled from 490 to 523 AD, and Ambrose Bierce was an American writer known for his satirical pieces and short stories during the late 19th century. Today, Ambrose continues to be a beloved name chosen by parents who want to give their child a unique and powerful moniker with a rich history behind it.
Based on the annual birth statistics for the name Ambrose in the United States from 1880 to 2023, we can observe several trends and patterns over time.
From 1880 to 1930, the number of births with the name Ambrose fluctuated between a low of 24 births in 1905 and a high of 147 births in 1914. The most common years for this period were around 30-50 births per year.
Starting from the 1930s, there was a significant decline in the number of babies named Ambrose at birth. Between 1930 and 2023, the total number of births with this name ranged between a low of 4 births (in several years) to a high of 401 births in 2021.
It's worth noting that there was a resurgence in the popularity of the name Ambrose starting from around the mid-2010s, with a steady increase in the number of births each year. This trend continued until 2021, which had the highest number of births with this name since at least 1880.
Overall, while Ambrose was once a moderately popular name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, its popularity has declined significantly over time. However, it appears that there may be a renewed interest in this name in recent years among parents choosing names for their children.