Amaru

♂ Boy

Pronounced ah-MAH-roo /ɑːˈmɑː.ruː/High

Meaning: Serpent; divine serpent; from Quechua amaru (a large mythological serpent associated with water and the underworld in Andean cosmology)High

In 30 seconds: A Quechua name from the Andes meaning 'divine serpent' — the amaru was a mythological serpent in Inca cosmology associated with water, rivers, and the cosmic underworld. Used in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador.

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighQuechua

MeaningSerpent; divine serpent; from Quechua amaru (a large mythological serpent associated with water and the underworld in Andean cosmology)

U.S. rank (2025)#2390 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births57 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 983

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Amaru is a Quechua word for the mythological divine serpent of the Andes — a symbol of the cosmic forces of water, fertility, and the underworld in Inca religious tradition. The Amaru was the most powerful supernatural creature in Andean cosmology.

Amaru is used in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Andean diaspora communities as a given name honoring indigenous heritage. Its 2024 ranking of #2365 for boys reflects its use in Latin American communities.

Did you know? Tupac Amaru II (1738–1781) — whose name contains Amaru — led the largest indigenous uprising against Spanish colonial rule in the Americas. His execution in Cuzco was so brutal that it shocked even contemporary colonial observers and remains a touchstone of Andean resistance.

Overall data confidence 89%

U.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Amaro

Nicknames

AmMaru

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Amaru…

Avraham— lands in the same popularity range

Andreas— lands in the same popularity range

Alaric— a similarly popular pick

Archibald— a similarly popular pick

Adrien— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Amaru

By themethree-syllable

By meaningGod / Divine Sea / Water

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Amaru mean?

Amaru means 'divine serpent' in Quechua — the mythological sacred serpent of Andean/Inca cosmology, associated with water and cosmic power.

How do you pronounce Amaru?

It's said ah-MAH-roo /ɑːˈmɑː.ruː/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Amaru a boy or girl name?

Amaru is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Amaru?

Amaru ranked #2365 for U.S. boys in 2024.