Names

From the English word amber that denotes either the gemstone, which is formed from fossil resin, or the orange-yellow colour. The word ultimately derives from Arabic عنبر (‘anbar). It began to be used as a given name in the late 19th century, but it only became popular after the release of Kathleen Winsor’s novel Forever Amber (1944).

Spanish cognate of Amber.

Biblical Greek form of Habakkuk.

Variant of Amaia.

French form of Amalric.

Late Latin name meaning “beloved”. The 7th-century Saint Amatus was the first abbot of Remiremont Abbey.

Italian form of Amator.

Late Latin name meaning “lover (of God)”. Saint Amator was a 5th-century bishop of Auxerre.

Italian form of Amatus.

Means “shining over heaven”, from Japanese 天 (ama) meaning “heaven, sky” and 照 (terasu) meaning “shine”. This was the name of the Japanese sun goddess, the ruler of the heavens. She was born when Izanagi washed his left eye after returning from the underworld. At one time the Japanese royal family claimed descent from her.