Amare

Meaning of Amare

Amare is the kind of name that seems to wear its heart on its sleeve: in Italian it springs straight from the verb “amare,” meaning “to love,” and in Amharic (Ethiopia) it carries the uplifting sense of “handsome” or “one who builds.” Between those twin ideas of love and strength, Amare feels like a hug wrapped in determination. Americans usually say it as uh-MAHR-ee, a smooth, three-beat rhythm that’s easy on the ear yet distinctive enough to stick in people’s minds. The name first tiptoed onto U.S. charts in the late 1990s, then bounded upward after NBA star Amar’e Stoudemire started dazzling fans—a reminder that little Amare might grow up believing a slam-dunk dream is never out of reach. Though its popularity has cooled slightly since its 2011 high, Amare still hovers comfortably in the Top 1,000, giving parents a name that’s recognizable yet far from overused. All told, Amare blends international flair, a message of love, and a dash of athletic sparkle—perfect for a boy destined to play big, love big, and maybe, just maybe, change the game around him.