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

Popularity of Ambrose by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Ambrose is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Ambrose being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 318 male babies and 10 female babies born with the name Ambrose.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 10 baby girls were named Ambrose in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Ambrose

The given name Ambrose has its origins in the Greek language. It is derived from the Greek word "ambrosios" which means "immortal" or "divine". The name can be traced back to ancient Greece and was likely inspired by the Greek concept of ambrosia, the mythical food or drink of the gods that granted eternal life and youth.

Ambrose was a popular name among early Christians, particularly in the 4th century AD. One of the most famous figures bearing this name was Saint Ambrose, the bishop of Milan from 374 to 397 AD. He was a highly influential figure in the early Christian church and played a significant role in the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.

Another notable bearer of the name was Ambrose Bierce, an American writer and satirist who lived from 1842 to around 1914. He is best known for his short stories and his satirical dictionary, "The Devil's Dictionary". His disappearance in Mexico during the Mexican Revolution has remained a mystery.

Ambrose Burnside, an American soldier and politician who lived from 1824 to 1881, is also a prominent figure associated with this name. He is remembered for his distinctive facial hair style, known as "sideburns", and for his role as a Union Army general during the American Civil War.

In the world of literature, Ambrose Gwinnett Bierce, an American short story writer and satirist, lived from 1842 to around 1914. His works, including "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" and "The Devil's Dictionary", are considered classics of American literature.

Another notable bearer of the name was Ambrose Everett Burnside, an American inventor and industrialist who lived from 1824 to 1881. He is credited with introducing the first successful breech-loading rifle to the United States and played a significant role in the development of firearms technology during the 19th century.

While the name Ambrose has its roots in ancient Greek culture, it has been widely adopted and used across various regions and cultures throughout history, with many notable individuals bearing this name and contributing to various fields such as religion, literature, military, and industry.

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 Ambrose was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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