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Amias

♂ Boy

Pronounced AY-mee-us /ˈeɪ.mi.əs/High

Meaning: Possibly a variant of Amatus, from Latin amatus meaning beloved or loved; alternatively linked to the name Amadeus or the medieval English surname Amias; the exact origin is disputedMedium

In 30 seconds: A rare and distinguished three-syllable name, Amias carries a warm Latin meaning of beloved and has a quietly aristocratic English heritage, appealing to parents seeking the uncommon.
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Origin MediumLatin, English
MeaningPossibly a variant of Amatus, from Latin amatus meaning beloved or loved; alternatively linked to the name Amadeus or the medieval English surname Amias; the exact origin is disputed
U.S. rank (2025)#642 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births435 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 3,107

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202520002025

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

History & Origin

Amias appears in English records from the medieval period, sometimes as a given name and sometimes as a surname. Its origin is debated: some scholars connect it to the Latin amatus (beloved) or to Amadeus (lover of God); others trace it to a place name from Amiens in France. The name was used in English gentry families particularly in the 16th and 17th centuries.

After centuries of dormancy, Amias has seen a quiet revival in the 21st century as parents seek genuinely rare names with a literary and historical feel. It fits neatly alongside names like Atticus, Caspian, and Thaddeus in the category of erudite, underused classics. In the United States it remains very rare but has been slowly appearing on birth records since the 2010s.

Did you know? Sir Amias Paulet (c. 1532–1588) was the English statesman who served as the jailer of Mary, Queen of Scots, in her final years — making Amias a name with a quietly dramatic place in English history.
Overall data confidence 73%
Behind the Name — Amias — etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AmyasAmadeusAmatus

Nicknames

AmiMias

Famous Bearers

  • ★Sir Amias Paulet (1532–1588)
    English statesman and the jailer of Mary, Queen of Scots.

If you like Amias…

Atticus— shares the rare, literary Latin-feel with three syllables and the same distinguished air
Cassius— another ancient Latin name enjoying a refined modern revival
Thaddeus— fellow rare, multi-syllable name with a similarly aristocratic English heritage
Aurelius— equally uncommon Latin classic with warm meaning and scholarly prestige

Frequently Asked

What does the name Amias mean?

Amias likely derives from Latin amatus, meaning beloved or loved, though its exact origin is debated. It carries a warm, affectionate meaning.

How do you pronounce Amias?

It is said AY-mee-us /ˈeɪ.mi.əs/ — three syllables with stress on the first.

Is Amias a popular name?

Amias is quite rare but has been slowly rising in the U.S. as parents seek distinctive names with historical depth.

Is Amias the same as Amadeus?

Amias and Amadeus may share a Latin root but they are distinct names. Amadeus means lover of God; Amias's etymology is less certain.