Amber is a feminine name derived directly from the English word for the gemstone, which is itself fossilized tree resin, or for the orange-yellow color reminiscent of the stone. The word “amber” ultimately traces a long linguistic path from Arabic عنبر (ʿanbar), meaning “ambergris”—a waxy substance from sperm whales that was historically confused with or trade alongside amber (hence the same name). The term passed through Middle Persian, Middle Latin ambar, and Old French ambre before entering English, gradually shifting from the marine substance to the fossilized resin. Etymology The Semitic and Persian origins show that the name’s root meaning is “ambergris,” not the gemstone. However, in European languages, by the early modern period ambre/amber commonly referred to the golden fossil resin, and its color lent the name to the hue we call amber. In the Middle Ages, amber was treasured across Eurasia; it appears depicted in Neolithic artifacts, Viking jewelry, and classical Roman ornaments. Its warm, honey-like appearance connected it with light, permanence, and healing in many cultures. Name history and popularity Amber first emerged as a given name in the late 19th century during the wider Victorian trend of using gemstone-derived names. For decades it saw moderate use. However, the name soared in popularity after the 1944 publication of Kathleen Winsor’s steamy historical novel Forever Amber. The book—whose titular heroine is a beautiful, ambitious orphan rising through Restoration-era English society—captured the public imagination and cemented the name Amber in English-speaking countries. From the 1950s through the 1990s, Amber remained a top-100 name in the United States. Cultural significance Beyond the literary spark, the name evokes natural beauty and resilience. The amber gemstone, of itself an object of fascination, often contains prehistoric plant or insect inclusions—giving it a totemic connection to deep time and mystery. Amber jewelry remains popular worldwide, linking the name to both the organic gemstone and the hue. In Dutch-speaking regions, Amber is also a well-liked girls’ name, likely absorbed from English popular culture after World War II. Meaning: “amber”—the fossilized tree resin, also its color; ultimately from Arabic for “ambergris” Origin: English word name; indirect origin Semitic and Persian Type: Given name (feminine) Usage: Dutch, English; peak popularity mid-20th century