Amma

“Mother”

Ghana origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#12257US 2023

7Births / yr

↓Falling

538All-time births

📅 Since 188600

How to pronounce Amma

AMM·AH

/ˈæmm.ˈɑ/ · stress on AMM · 2 syllables

“Mother”

Ghana origin · Girl name

What does Amma mean and where does it come from?

The name Amma has origins in both the Akan language of Ghana, where it is commonly used to mean 'mother,' and in Sanskrit from India, where it can mean 'elder.' It is often used affectionately for women of authority or nurturing roles. In Ghana, Amma is also a name for girls born on Saturday. Some n

Cultural significance

Amma has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ghana-speaking communities, where it reflects values of mother.

Peak popularity

Reached #1024 in 1887 — currently #12257 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Amma?

Amma works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Amma Grace

How popular is Amma right now?

Falling — down 1818 spots — currently #12257 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1900–2023#12257 · Top 9.0%

1900

1920

1925

1930

1940

1975

1995

2005

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#12257	7	▼ down 1818 · -22% births
2022	#10439	9	▲ up 774 · +13% births
2021	#11213	8	▲ up 3816 · +60% births
2020	#15029	5	▼ down 3177 · -37% births
2015	#11852	8	▲ up 1197 · +14% births
2005	#13049	7	▲ up 407 · +40% births
1995	#13456	5	▼ down 4304
1975	#9152	5	▼ down 5582 · -29% births
1940	#3570	7	▼ down 678 · -30% births
1930	#2892	10	▲ up 271
1925	#3163	10	▲ up 1891 · +100% births
1920	#5054	5	▼ down 3419 · -29% births
1900	#1635	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Amma

Best Year1900Rank #1635

Peak Count10

Average Rank#8674

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202313 years

The story of Amma

Amma has been a beloved American name for over 138 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1886. With 538 total births recorded, Amma remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1635 in 1900, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12257 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Amma in 1887:

Mary Anna Elizabeth Emma Margaret

Amma by decade

Amma peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	17
1890s	32
1900s	37
1910s	57
1920s ★	79
1930s	38
1940s	14
1950s	6
1960s	5
1970s	27
1980s	52
1990s	48
2000s	51
2010s	70
2020s	5

💎Amma has only 538 total recorded births since 1886 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What names sound and feel like Amma?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Amma also consider these

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Ammaz

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

American · the one who

Tamma

USA · Peace

Common questions about the name Amma

What does the name Amma mean?

Amma means "Mother" — a name rooted in Ghana 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 Amma?

Amma is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl 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 Amma?

Amma originates from Ghana tradition. Ghana 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 Amma?

Amma is a two-syllable name pronounced AE1 M M AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Amma a common or rare name?

Amma is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.