Find out how popular the first name Amal has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Amal by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Amal is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 92% of people named Amal being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 201 female babies and 11 male babies born with the name Amal.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 11 baby boys were named Amal in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Amal

The name Amal has its origins in the Arabic language and culture, with a history dating back to ancient times. Derived from the Arabic word 'amal,' meaning 'hope' or 'aspiration,' the name carries a profound significance in the Islamic faith and tradition.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Amal can be found in the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam. In Surah Al-Ra'd (Chapter 13, Verse 12), the word 'amal' is used to symbolize the hope and faith that believers place in Allah.

Throughout the centuries, the name Amal has been borne by several notable historical figures. One of the earliest examples is Amal al-Ahwazi, a renowned Arab mathematician and astronomer who lived in the 8th century CE. His contributions to the fields of mathematics and astronomy were significant, and he is remembered for his work on the development of algebraic concepts.

Another prominent figure with the name Amal was Amal al-Din al-Kazruni, a 13th-century Persian poet and philosopher. His poetry, infused with Sufi mysticism, explored the themes of love, spirituality, and the human condition. His works, such as the Diwan, have been celebrated for their literary excellence and philosophical depth.

In more recent history, Amal Clooney (née Alamuddin), a Lebanese-British human rights lawyer and activist, has gained global recognition. Born in 1978, she has been a vocal advocate for human rights and has represented several high-profile cases before various international courts and tribunals.

Amal Jalal Uddin, a renowned Bangladeshi artist and painter, also bore the name Amal. Born in 1935, he was celebrated for his vibrant and expressive works that captured the essence of rural life and the struggles of the common people. His paintings have been exhibited worldwide and are considered a significant contribution to the art scene in Bangladesh.

Another notable figure with the name Amal is Amal Alamuddin Basha, a Palestinian-Lebanese writer and journalist. Born in 1942, she has been a prominent voice for Palestinian rights and has authored several books and articles on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, shedding light on the experiences and struggles of her people.

The name Amal has transcended cultural and geographic boundaries, carried by individuals from diverse backgrounds and walks of life. While its origins can be traced back to the Arabic language and Islamic tradition, the name has acquired a universal appeal, symbolizing hope, aspiration, and the human spirit's resilience.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Amal was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Amal, please contact us.

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