What does the name Amos evoke? For some, it’s a connection to the Old Testament prophet. For others, it might be a more modern, vintage feel. Whatever your association, Amos is a name with a rich history and a resurgence in popularity. Let’s delve into the meaning, popularity trends, and potential alternatives for this distinctive boy’s name.
The Meaning of Amos
The name Amos has Hebrew origins, deriving from the word "amots," meaning "to carry," "borne by God," or "burden." The biblical prophet Amos, known for his strong pronouncements of social justice, lends the name a sense of righteousness and strength. This connection to faith and history gives the name Amos a depth that many modern names lack.
Amos Name Popularity Trends
How popular is the name Amos today? The data reveals a fascinating journey through the 20th and 21st centuries.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 201 | 86 | 0.0244% |
| 1911 | 180 | 128 | 0.0344% |
| 1912 | 223 | 193 | 0.0383% |
| 1913 | 208 | 278 | 0.049% |
| 1914 | 220 | 324 | 0.0465% |
| 1915 | 215 | 447 | 0.0492% |
| 1916 | 229 | 431 | 0.0446% |
| 1917 | 232 | 436 | 0.0436% |
| 1918 | 231 | 489 | 0.0456% |
| 1919 | 231 | 486 | 0.0464% |
| 1920 | 247 | 454 | 0.0408% |
| 1921 | 239 | 519 | 0.0453% |
| 1922 | 242 | 511 | 0.0459% |
| 1923 | 250 | 473 | 0.0422% |
| 1924 | 254 | 473 | 0.0407% |
| 1925 | 259 | 450 | 0.0398% |
| 1926 | 269 | 413 | 0.0375% |
| 1927 | 248 | 486 | 0.0439% |
| 1928 | 270 | 398 | 0.0372% |
| 1929 | 291 | 328 | 0.0317% |
| 1930 | 261 | 426 | 0.0408% |
| 1931 | 285 | 343 | 0.0348% |
| 1932 | 279 | 351 | 0.0355% |
| 1933 | 281 | 319 | 0.0342% |
| 1934 | 292 | 307 | 0.0318% |
| 1935 | 314 | 258 | 0.0265% |
| 1936 | 314 | 253 | 0.0263% |
| 1937 | 312 | 258 | 0.0262% |
| 1938 | 320 | 258 | 0.0252% |
| 1939 | 325 | 241 | 0.0237% |
| 1940 | 341 | 234 | 0.022% |
| 1941 | 348 | 242 | 0.0215% |
| 1942 | 368 | 233 | 0.0185% |
| 1943 | 359 | 249 | 0.0191% |
| 1944 | 344 | 256 | 0.0207% |
| 1945 | 365 | 228 | 0.0187% |
| 1946 | 400 | 218 | 0.0148% |
| 1947 | 397 | 259 | 0.0155% |
| 1948 | 393 | 257 | 0.0161% |
| 1949 | 404 | 240 | 0.0149% |
| 1950 | 398 | 249 | 0.0155% |
| 1951 | 386 | 266 | 0.0157% |
| 1952 | 394 | 261 | 0.015% |
| 1953 | 390 | 276 | 0.0156% |
| 1954 | 415 | 258 | 0.0141% |
| 1955 | 431 | 247 | 0.0134% |
| 1956 | 472 | 212 | 0.0112% |
| 1957 | 483 | 215 | 0.0112% |
| 1958 | 456 | 250 | 0.0132% |
| 1959 | 486 | 224 | 0.0118% |
| 1960 | 474 | 233 | 0.0123% |
| 1961 | 474 | 239 | 0.0127% |
| 1962 | 522 | 191 | 0.0104% |
| 1963 | 547 | 167 | 0.0093% |
| 1964 | 555 | 156 | 0.0089% |
| 1965 | 505 | 190 | 0.0116% |
| 1966 | 571 | 126 | 0.0081% |
| 1967 | 545 | 140 | 0.0092% |
| 1968 | 610 | 109 | 0.0073% |
| 1969 | 578 | 137 | 0.0089% |
| 1970 | 722 | 84 | 0.0053% |
| 1971 | 568 | 158 | 0.0105% |
| 1972 | 652 | 103 | 0.0076% |
| 1973 | 577 | 144 | 0.0111% |
| 1974 | 558 | 159 | 0.0122% |
| 1975 | 596 | 135 | 0.0105% |
| 1976 | 551 | 168 | 0.013% |
| 1977 | 529 | 203 | 0.0151% |
| 1978 | 512 | 205 | 0.0152% |
| 1979 | 511 | 227 | 0.0161% |
| 1980 | 542 | 204 | 0.014% |
| 1981 | 513 | 224 | 0.0152% |
| 1982 | 571 | 179 | 0.012% |
| 1983 | 599 | 153 | 0.0104% |
| 1984 | 549 | 196 | 0.0132% |
| 1985 | 585 | 176 | 0.0116% |
| 1986 | 625 | 156 | 0.0103% |
| 1987 | 620 | 168 | 0.011% |
| 1988 | 649 | 165 | 0.0106% |
| 1989 | 772 | 114 | 0.0071% |
| 1990 | 740 | 140 | 0.0084% |
| 1991 | 777 | 123 | 0.0075% |
| 1992 | 806 | 120 | 0.0075% |
| 1993 | 721 | 160 | 0.0103% |
| 1994 | 860 | 106 | 0.0069% |
| 1995 | 888 | 102 | 0.0068% |
| 1996 | 946 | 87 | 0.0058% |
| 1997 | 915 | 99 | 0.0067% |
| 1998 | 1027 | 83 | 0.0055% |
| 1999 | 984 | 95 | 0.0063% |
| 2000 | 997 | 98 | 0.0064% |
| 2001 | 998 | 103 | 0.0068% |
| 2002 | 1021 | 100 | 0.0067% |
| 2003 | 925 | 128 | 0.0084% |
| 2004 | 1070 | 97 | 0.0064% |
| 2005 | 1084 | 100 | 0.0065% |
| 2006 | 1161 | 94 | 0.006% |
| 2007 | 957 | 150 | 0.0095% |
| 2008 | 1062 | 118 | 0.0076% |
| 2009 | 997 | 138 | 0.0092% |
| 2010 | 1058 | 122 | 0.0085% |
| 2011 | 835 | 202 | 0.0142% |
| 2012 | 780 | 232 | 0.0163% |
| 2013 | 760 | 239 | 0.0168% |
| 2014 | 672 | 320 | 0.022% |
| 2015 | 700 | 294 | 0.0202% |
| 2016 | 650 | 345 | 0.0239% |
| 2017 | 684 | 299 | 0.0214% |
| 2018 | 626 | 353 | 0.0257% |
| 2019 | 649 | 336 | 0.0248% |
| 2020 | 711 | 298 | 0.0234% |
| 2021 | 609 | 413 | 0.0338% |
| 2022 | 637 | 394 | 0.0299% |
| 2023 | 644 | 381 | 0.0294% |
Looking at the data, Amos experienced a period of relative popularity in the early to mid-20th century, peaking in the 1910s-1930s. There was a decline in the later half of the century, but the name has seen a notable resurgence in recent years, particularly since 2010. This suggests a growing interest in classic, yet uncommon, names.
Alternatives to Amos
If you like the vibe of Amos but aren’t entirely sold, here are some similar names to consider:
Variants of Amos:
- Am: A shortened, modern take.
- Amoss: Adds a touch of distinction.
Names that Sound Like Amos:
- Aimes/Aymes: French origin, meaning "friend".
- Amasa: Hebrew origin, meaning "burden."
- Amias/Amyas/Amyes: Latin origin, meaning "loved".
Similar Names:
- Ames: French origin, meaning "friend".
Sibling Names
What names go well with Amos? Parents who chose Amos also favored these names for their other children:
- Mattias: Hebrew, "Gift of God."
- Lucas: Latin, "From Lucania."
These names share a similar blend of classic roots and contemporary appeal.
Conclusion
Amos is a strong, meaningful name with a rich history. Its resurgence in popularity suggests a growing appreciation for vintage names with character. Whether you’re drawn to its biblical associations, its strong sound, or its unique appeal, Amos is a worthy contender for your baby boy’s name. The data paints a clear picture: Amos is a name on the rise.