The given name Amador has its origins in the Late Latin word "amator," which means "lover." This name likely emerged during the Middle Ages in regions where Latin was spoken, such as parts of the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal). The name may have been derived from the Latin word "amare," meaning "to love," with the suffix "-dor" indicating the person who performs the action.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Amador can be found in the 12th century epic poem "El Cantar de Mio Cid," which tells the story of the Castilian knight El Cid Campeador. In this work, Amador is mentioned as the name of one of El Cid's soldiers. This suggests that the name was already in use among Spanish Christians during the Reconquista period.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Amador. One such figure was Amador Arranz, a Spanish Dominican friar and philosopher who lived in the 16th century. He was known for his works on logic and metaphysics.

Another prominent individual named Amador was Amador de los Ríos y Fernández-Villalta, a 19th-century Spanish historian and archaeologist (1818-1878). He made significant contributions to the study of Spanish art and architecture, particularly in his works on the Alhambra palace in Granada.

In the realm of literature, Amador Vega (1901-1965) was a prominent Peruvian poet and essayist. He was a member of the avant-garde literary movement known as "vanguardismo" and is known for his works that explored themes of indigenous cultures and social justice.

Amador Bendayán (1887-1963) was a prominent Panamanian composer and musician. He is celebrated for his contributions to the development of Panamanian music, particularly in the promotion of popular genres such as the tamborito and the mejorana.

Amador Bueno (1938-1992) was a Mexican actor and comedian known for his work in film and television. He was particularly renowned for his roles in comedy films and his ability to portray a wide range of characters with humor and wit.