Amber

♀ Girl

Pronounced AM-ber /ˈæmbər/High

Meaning: From the English word 'amber,' denoting the golden-yellow fossilized resin; the word traces through Old French ambre to Arabic anbar, which originally referred to ambergris (a whale substance used in perfumery)High

In 30 seconds: Amber is a warm, golden gem-name from Arabic via Old French, meaning the beautiful fossilized resin. A 1970s–80s classic that captures a golden age of American naming.

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Origin HighArabic, English, Old French

MeaningFrom the English word 'amber,' denoting the golden-yellow fossilized resin; the word traces through Old French ambre to Arabic anbar, which originally referred to ambergris (a whale substance used in perfumery)

U.S. rank (2025)#520 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births576 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1986

Total births (all-time)≈ 374,679

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Amber the gemstone takes its name through Old French ambre from Arabic anbar, which first referred to ambergris — a substance from sperm whales used in perfumery — before the term shifted to the fossilized resin we know today. As a given name, Amber became popular in English-speaking countries from the 1960s onward, partly inspired by the novel Forever Amber (1944).

Amber peaked in the United States in the late 1980s and 1990s, ranking in the top 20 girls' names for much of that period. It has since settled into a classic mid-range position. Amber Alerts — the emergency broadcast system for child abductions — are named after Amber Hagerman, a 9-year-old Texas girl whose 1996 case inspired the system.

Did you know? Amber is one of the few gemstones that is organic in origin — it is fossilized tree resin, sometimes millions of years old. Scientists have discovered ancient insects, plants, and even dinosaur feathers preserved inside amber, essentially time-capsules of prehistoric life.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name — Amber — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AmberlyAmbra

Nicknames

AmbsAmbie

Famous Bearers

★Amber Heard (1986–present)
American actress known for her film roles and public legal proceedings.

If you like Amber…

Jade— gemstone girls' name with the same warm, earthy color-name feel

Ruby— jewel-name with the same classic 1980s–90s appeal

Opal— gemstone girls' name with the same retro charm and nature connection

Sienna— warm-toned color/place name with the same golden, earthy quality

Frequently Asked

What does the name Amber mean?

Amber refers to the warm golden fossilized resin, from Old French ambre and Arabic anbar — a gem-name evoking warmth, preservation, and golden color.

How do you pronounce Amber?

It is said AM-ber — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Amber a boy or girl name?

Amber is used almost exclusively as a girls' name.

How popular is Amber?

Amber peaked in the U.S. top 20 in the 1980s–90s and now ranks in the top 300–500 girls' names.