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Ambrose

♂ Boy

Pronounced AM-brohz /ˈæm.broʊz/High

Meaning: From the Latin Ambrosius, from the Greek Ambrosios (Ἀμβρόσιος), meaning 'immortal' or 'divine,' from ambrotos (a-mortal = immortal); connected to ambrosia, the food of the Greek gods that conferred immortalityHigh

In 30 seconds: Ambrose is a splendidly antique name meaning 'immortal' — literally the name of divinity itself in the Greek tradition. Once rare, it is rising on the coattails of the vintage literary name revival, fitting beautifully alongside Amos, Barnaby, and Theodore.

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Origin HighGreek, Latin

MeaningFrom the Latin Ambrosius, from the Greek Ambrosios (Ἀμβρόσιος), meaning 'immortal' or 'divine,' from ambrotos (a-mortal = immortal); connected to ambrosia, the food of the Greek gods that conferred immortality

U.S. rank (2025)#735 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births358 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 10,861

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Ambrose derives from the Greek ambrotos meaning 'immortal,' connected to ambrosia, the food and drink of the gods on Mount Olympus. The name entered Christian use through Saint Ambrose of Milan, becoming popular in medieval Europe. It was also used in Celtic Christianity through Saint Ambrose's influence.

Ambrose declined in the 20th century but has been rising as parents seek genuinely distinguished vintage names. It appears in Wes Anderson films, literary fiction, and period dramas, lending it an intellectual, slightly eccentric appeal that is becoming fashionable.

Did you know? Saint Ambrose of Milan (340–397 CE) was one of the four original Doctors of the Church and the man who baptized Saint Augustine. He pioneered congregational singing in Christian worship — the roots of all Western hymnody — and famously stood up to Emperor Theodosius over a massacre of civilians, establishing the principle that no one is above moral law.

Overall data confidence 95%

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

Variations

AmbrosiusAmbrosioAmbroise

Nicknames

BroseAmbiRos

Famous Bearers

★Saint Ambrose of Milan (339–397)
4th-century Bishop of Milan and Doctor of the Church, who baptized Saint Augustine.
★Ambrose Bierce (1842–1914)
American journalist and satirist, author of The Devil's Dictionary.

If you like Ambrose…

Barnaby— shares the Victorian literary feel, rare quality, and the same vintage eccentric charm

Amos— fellow short strong biblical/classical name in the same vintage revival wave

Augustine— parallel early Christian saint name with the same classical intellectual gravitas

Cornelius— shares the Latin classical saintly tradition and the same distinguished rare vintage appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Ambrose mean?

Ambrose means 'immortal' or 'divine' from Greek ambrotos. It is connected to ambrosia, the food of the gods in Greek mythology.

How do you pronounce Ambrose?

Ambrose is pronounced AM-brohz /ˈæm.broʊz/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Ambrose an old-fashioned name?

Ambrose has an antiquarian quality but is rising as part of the vintage literary name revival, alongside names like Amos, Barnaby, and Cornelius.

Who was Saint Ambrose?

Saint Ambrose of Milan (340–397 CE) was one of the original four Doctors of the Church. He baptized Saint Augustine and stood up to emperors, becoming a model of moral authority.