Amberley is a unique and elegant given name of English origin. The name is derived from the village of Amberley in West Sussex, England. This charming village is situated on the banks of the River Arun and is known for its beautiful architecture and rich history.
The meaning of Amberley is associated with the village's location and etymology. "Amber" is derived from the Old English word "æmbere," which refers to the gemstone amber, while "-ley" is a suffix that indicates a meadow or clearing. Therefore, Amberley can be interpreted as "meadow where amber is found."
The history of Amberley as a place name dates back to at least the 10th century when it was recorded as "Amberleah." Over time, the name evolved through various spellings such as Amberlea, Ambrilege, and finally Amberley. The village has been inhabited since the Iron Age and has seen many notable residents throughout its history.
While Amberley is not a particularly common given name, it has been used occasionally in England and other English-speaking countries. Those who bear this name often appreciate its uniqueness and connection to the historic village in West Sussex.
The name Amberley has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States, with its highest peak occurring in recent times.
From 1971 to 2023, there have been a total of 809 babies named Amberley born in the U.S. The first notable year for this name was in 1975 and 1976, with six births each year. However, it wasn't until the late 1970s that Amberley began to gain more traction, with 13 births in 1978 and a significant increase to 22 births in 1979.
The popularity of the name continued to grow throughout the 1980s, reaching its peak in 1987 with 29 births. This trend carried over into the early 1990s, with the highest number of births occurring in 1994 at 22.
After a slight decline in the mid-1990s, Amberley's popularity began to rise again around the turn of the century. The years 2005 and 2006 saw an increase in births with 17 and 13 respectively, and this upward trend continued until 2019, where there were a remarkable 42 births.
Interestingly, Amberley's popularity has remained relatively steady in recent years, with 28 births each in 2021 and 2022, and 18 births recorded so far in 2023. This indicates that the name continues to be favored by parents today.
Overall, while Amberley may not have been a top choice for parents throughout its history, it has nonetheless maintained a consistent presence on the birth records of the United States since the 1970s. Its recent resurgence in popularity is a testament to its enduring appeal as a unique and distinctive name.