Amir

♂ Boy

Pronounced ah-MEER /əˈmɪər/High

Meaning: Prince; ruler; commander — from Arabic amir (prince, commander)High

In 30 seconds: A regal Arabic name meaning 'prince' or 'commander,' Amir has been climbing U.S. charts as Arabic names gain wider acceptance, valued for its royal meaning and two-syllable simplicity.

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighArabic

MeaningPrince; ruler; commander — from Arabic amir (prince, commander)

U.S. rank (2025)#105 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births3,297 boys (0.19% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 55,713

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

Amir derives from the Arabic أمير, meaning 'prince,' 'commander,' or 'ruler.' It has been a name and title across the Arab, Persian, and Turkish worlds for over a millennium.

Amir has been rising in the United States in the 21st century, now appearing in the top 200 boys' names. It is popular among Muslim and Arabic-speaking communities as well as among parents seeking strong, brief names with powerful meanings.

Did you know? The word admiral — the naval rank — comes from Arabic amir al-bahr, meaning 'commander of the sea,' the same root as Amir.

Variations

AmeerEmreEmir

Nicknames

Ami

Famous Bearers

★Amir Khan (1986-)
British professional boxer and Olympic medalist
★Aamir Khan (1965-)
Indian actor and filmmaker
★Amir Blumenfeld (1983-)
American comedian and writer

If you like Amir…

Ahmir— echoes that soft -ir sound

Azir— a fellow Arabic choice

Aamir— shares Amir's Arabic roots

Abir— shares the -ir ending

Yasir— shares the -ir ending

Explore names like Amir

By meaningRoyal / Noble Leader

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Amir mean?

Amir is an Arabic name and title meaning 'prince,' 'commander,' or 'ruler.'

How do you pronounce Amir?

It is said ah-MEER /əˈmɪər/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Amir a boy or girl name?

Amir is used almost exclusively as a boy's name; Amira is the feminine form.

How popular is Amir?

Amir has been rising in the U.S. and now appears in the top 200 boys' names.