What does Amanda mean and where does it come from?
Amanda is derived from the Latin word 'amandus', meaning 'worth loving'. It became popular in the English-speaking world in the 18th century, thanks in part to the use by playwright Thomas Southerne in his play 'The Orphan'. The name has seen a fluctuating popularity but has remained relatively comm
Cultural significance
Amanda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Latin-speaking communities, where it reflects values of worthy of love.
Peak popularity
Reached #2 in 1980 — currently #483 in the US.
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Related Reading
Latin-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Amanda?
Amanda works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Amanda Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Amanda Rose
Floral · soft ending
Amanda Mae
Sweet · timeless
Amanda Claire
French influence · crisp
Amanda Jane
Literary · strong
Amanda Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Amanda right now?
Declining — down 24 spots — currently #483 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #483 | 634 | ▼ down 24 · -8% births |
| 2022 | #459 | 691 | ▲ up 14 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #473 | 660 | ▼ down 26 · -3% births |
| 2020 | #447 | 681 | ▼ down 131 · -33% births |
| 2015 | #316 | 1,023 | ▼ down 128 · -38% births |
| 2010 | #188 | 1,657 | ▼ down 109 · -60% births |
| 2005 | #79 | 4,093 | ▼ down 47 · -52% births |
| 2000 | #32 | 8,554 | ▼ down 23 · -48% births |
| 1995 | #9 | 16,351 | ▼ down 5 · -52% births |
| 1990 | #4 | 34,408 | stable · -12% births |
| 1985 | #4 | 39,052 | ▼ down 2 · +9% births |
| 1980 | #2 | 35,821 | ▲ up 12 · +183% births |
| 1975 | #14 | 12,653 | ▲ up 94 · +256% births |
| 1970 | #108 | 3,550 | ▲ up 93 · +115% births |
| 1965 | #201 | 1,649 | — |
The story of Amanda
Amanda has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #2 in 1980, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 789K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Once ranked #89 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #483 in 2023. Amanda is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Amanda in 1980:
Amanda by decade
Amanda peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 3,280 | |
| 1890s | 3,877 | |
| 1900s | 2,923 | |
| 1910s | 3,643 | |
| 1920s | 3,125 | |
| 1930s | 1,963 | |
| 1940s | 2,761 | |
| 1950s | 5,477 | |
| 1960s | 17,227 | |
| 1970s | 124,375 | |
| 1980s ★ | 370,878 | |
| 1990s | 191,477 | |
| 2000s | 46,647 | |
| 2010s | 11,017 | |
| 2020s | 681 | |
What are good nicknames for Amanda?
Famous people named Amanda
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Amanda (Renaissance scholar)
Amanda used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
A(
Amanda (Renaissance scholar)
Amanda used this name during the Latin revival of the Renaissance, reinforcing its classical prestige.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Amanda?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Amanda also consider these
How is Amanda written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Amanda?
Common questions about the name Amanda
What does the name Amanda mean?
Amanda means "Worthy of love" — a name rooted in Latin tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Amanda?
Amanda is currently ranked #483 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Amanda?
Amanda originates from Latin tradition. Latin names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Amanda?
Amanda is a three-syllable name pronounced AH0 M AE1 N D AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Amanda?
Amanda pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Latin heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.