Amra is a unique and captivating female name of Arab origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "amirah," which means "princess" or "commander." This name has a rich history and cultural significance, as it was often given to girls in Arabian families to denote their noble status or to wish them strength and leadership.
The name Amra gained popularity in the Middle East during the medieval period, where it was used by various royal families. One of the most notable figures associated with this name is Amra bint Abd al-Wahid, a prominent poetess and musician who lived in the 10th century. She was known for her exceptional talent and intelligence, which earned her the respect and admiration of her contemporaries.
Today, Amra continues to be a popular choice among parents seeking distinctive and meaningful names for their daughters. Its association with strength, leadership, and nobility makes it an appealing option for those who wish to bestow their child with a powerful name that carries significant historical and cultural importance.
The name Amra has been a relatively uncommon choice for newborns in the United States over the past few decades, with the number of babies named Amra varying year by year.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the name was given to an average of about six girls each year. This number peaked in the late 1990s, reaching a high of 21 births in 2003.
Interestingly, the popularity of the name Amra seems to have had two distinct periods of growth. The first occurred between 1998 and 2003, during which time the number of annual births with this name more than doubled. The second period of growth began around 2014 and continued through 2022, with the number of Amras born each year ranging from 15 to 19.
Despite these periods of increased popularity, however, Amra remains a relatively uncommon name in the United States overall. Over the course of three decades (from 1987 to 2023), only a total of 401 babies have been named Amra.
While it is difficult to say why some names become popular and others do not, the data on the name Amra suggests that it has had periods of popularity but remains largely outside of the mainstream. As with all naming trends, it will be interesting to see whether this pattern continues in future years or if the popularity of Amra takes another turn.