Amharic Names

Amharic names belong to the Amharic language tradition. This collection contains 64 Amharic names with their meanings, cultural backgrounds, and pronunciation guides. You'll find 11 names traditionally given to boys and 51 names for girls, reflecting naming patterns from regions where Amharic is spoken. These names carry the linguistic heritage and cultural values of Amharic-speaking communities. Common themes include gold, new, flower, showing what Amharic cultures have valued across generations.

64 total names
11 boy names
51 girl names

Adua

Adwa (also spelled Adowa, Aduwa) is a market town in northern Ethiopia. This name derives from the Amharic “Adi Awa,” meaning “village of the Awa.” Adua, over the years, became a feminine given name.

Girl

Abez

This name derives from the Amharic “Abäz,” meaning “City of Issachar.”

Girl

Adey

This name derives from the Amharic “Adäy,” meaning “Ethiopian daisy, Meskel flower.”

Girl

Desta

This name derives from the Amharic “dästa,” meaning “joy, happy.” Desta Damtew (~1892–1937) was an Ethiopian noble, an army commander, and a son-in-law of Emperor Haile Selassie I.

Unisex

Abeba

This name derives from the Amharic “abäba”, meaning “flower”. Addis Ababa (Amharic: Addis Abäba, “new flower”; Oromo: Finfinne, “Natural Spring[s]”), sometimes spelled Addis Abeba (the spelling used by the official Ethiopian Mapping Authority), is the capital city of Ethiopia. Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Ankes

This name derives from the Amharic “Ank’äs’,” meaning “a paragraph, a clause of a pact.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Ewnet

This name derives from the Amharic “ïwnät,” meaning “truly, true, truth.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Unisex

Amsal

This name derives from the Amharic “Amsal,” meaning “an image.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Tafare

This name derives from the Amharic “taffärä,” meaning “who inspires awe.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Boy

Ewneta

This name derives from the Amharic “ïwnät,” meaning “truly, true, truth.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Boy

Abenet

This name derives from the Amharic “Abennät,” meaning “exemplary.”

Girl

Asmara

This name derives from the Amharic “asimera / Asmerà,” meaning “to unite, united.” Asmara, a small 19th-century town, began to overgrow when Italy occupied it in 1889. Governor Ferdinando Martini made it the capital city of Italian Eritrea in 1897, in preference to the Red Sea port of Massawa, and since then, the city has experienced continuous growth.

Girl

Amaresh

This name derives from the Amharic “Amaräš,” meaning “You are beautiful.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Abebech

This name derives from the Amharic “Abbäbäč,” meaning “She has flowered.”

Girl

Amarech

This name derives from the Amharic “Amaräč,” meaning “She is beautiful.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Alemach

This name derives from the Amharic “Alämmačč,” meaning “She rendered (one) fertile or productive.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Alitash

This name derives from the Amharic “Alït’aš,” meaning “may I never lose you.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Aletash

This name derives from the Amharic “Alït’aš,” meaning “may I never lose you.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Adanech

This name derives from the Amharic “Adanäč,” meaning “She saved, she rescued.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Abrehit

This name derives from the Amharic “Abrehit,” meaning “She has made it light.”

Girl

Asegach

This name derives from the Amharic “Asäggač,” meaning “She frightened, she worried.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language in the world, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Aberash

This name derives from the Amharic “abärraš,” meaning “giving off light, shining.”

Girl

Asenesh

This name derives from the Amharic “As’énäš,” meaning “You are a sovereign.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Aregash

This name derives from the Amharic “Aräggaš,” meaning “You are calm.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Aregach

This name derives from the Amharic “Aräggačč’,” meaning “She made other calm or composed.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Alemnesh

This name derives from the Amharic “Alämnäš,” meaning “You are the world.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Frumence

This name derives from the Amharic-Argobba “frēmnāṭōs (ፍሬምናጦስ)” (Greek: Frouméntios’ Φρουμέντιος’), meaning unknown. Saint Frumentius († ~383) was the first Bishop of Aksum (or Axum), and he is credited with bringing Christianity to the Aksumite Kingdom.

Boy

Adisalem

This name derives from the Amharic “AddisAläm,” meaning “new world.”

Girl

Frumenci

This name derives from the Amharic-Argobba “frēmnāṭōs (ፍሬምናጦስ)” (Greek: Frouméntios’ Φρουμέντιος’), meaning unknown. Saint Frumentius († ~383) was the first Bishop of Aksum (or Axum), and he is credited with bringing Christianity to the Aksumite Kingdom.

Boy

Ambanesh

This name derives from the Amharic “Ambanäš,” meaning “You are a fortress.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Amareche

This name derives from the Amharic “Amaräč,” meaning “She is beautiful.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Asnakech

This name derives from the Amharic “Asnak’äčč,” meaning “she outshone, she overshadowed, she outclassed.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Alganesh

This name derives from the Amharic “Alganäš,” meaning “You are a king, heir to the throne.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Worknesh

This name derives from the Amharic “wärk’näš,” meaning “You are like gold.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Abaynesh

This name derives from the Amharic “AbbayNäš,” meaning “You are the Nile.”

Girl

Frumenzio

This name derives from the Amharic-Argobba “frēmnāṭōs (ፍሬምናጦስ)” (Greek: Frouméntios’ Φρουμέντιος’), meaning unknown. Saint Frumentius († ~383) was the first Bishop of Aksum (or Axum), and he is credited with bringing Christianity to the Aksumite Kingdom.

Boy

Frumencio

This name derives from the Amharic-Argobba “frēmnāṭōs (ፍሬምናጦስ)” (Greek: Frouméntios’ Φρουμέντιος’), meaning unknown. Saint Frumentius († ~383) was the first Bishop of Aksum (or Axum), and he is credited with bringing Christianity to the Aksumite Kingdom.

Boy

Aselefech

This name derives from the Amharic “Assälläfäčč,” meaning “She lined up.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Asegedech

This name derives from the Amharic “Assäggädäč,” meaning “She caused others to bow down.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Asedeweyn

This name derives from the Amharic “As’ädäwäyn,” meaning “tree of vine, vineyard.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Asamenech

This name derives from the Amharic “Asammänäč,” meaning “She made me believe.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language in the world, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Amelewerk

This name derives from the Amharic “Amälä-wärk’,” meaning “a character of gold, a golden character.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language in the world, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Amakelech

This name derives from the Amharic “Amakkäläč,” meaning “bridge between two families.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Alemewerk

This name derives from the Amharic “Alämäwärk’,” meaning “A world of gold, a golden world.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Akalenesh

This name derives from the Amharic “Akalenäš,” meaning “You are my body.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language in the world, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Akalewerk

This name derives from the Amharic “Akaläwärk’,” meaning “a body of gold, a golden body.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language in the world, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Admaswerk

This name derives from the Amharic “Admaswärk’,” meaning “Your golden horizon.”

Girl

Addisalem

This name derives from the Amharic “AddisAläm,” meaning “new world.”

Girl

Abebawerk

This name derives from the Amharic “Abäbawärk’,” meaning “a flower of gold, a golden flower.” Abäba in Amharic, meaning “flower.” Addis Abäba, “new flower,” sometimes spelled Addis Abeba, is Ethiopia’s capital city. Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Tesfanesh

This name derives from the Amharic “Täsfa-Näš,” meaning “You are a hope.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language in the world, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Frumentiy

This name derives from the Amharic-Argobba “frēmnāṭōs (ፍሬምናጦስ)” (Greek: Frouméntios’ Φρουμέντιος’), meaning unknown. Saint Frumentius († ~383) was the first Bishop of Aksum (or Axum), and he is credited with bringing Christianity to the Aksumite Kingdom.

Boy

Frumentius

This name derives from the Amharic-Argobba “frēmnāṭōs (ፍሬምናጦስ)” (Greek: Frouméntios’ Φρουμέντιος’), meaning unknown. Saint Frumentius († ~383) was the first Bishop of Aksum (or Axum), and he is credited with bringing Christianity to the Aksumite Kingdom.

Boy

Altayechem

This name derives from the Amharic “Altayyäččïm,” meaning “She was not seen, the hidden woman.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Tesfaneshe

This name derives from the Amharic “Täsfa-Näš,” meaning “You are a hope.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language in the world, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Amsalewerk

This name derives from the Amharic “Amsaläwärk’,” meaning “an image of gold, a golden image.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Achamyaleh

This name derives from the Amharic “Achamyaläh,” meaning “You are everything.”

Boy

Achamyalesh

This name derives from the Amharic “Aččamm-Yälläš,” meaning “You are everything.”

Girl

Ametemaryam

This name derives from the Amharic “Amätämaryam,” meaning “servant of Mary, the character of gold, a golden character.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language in the world, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Alem Begrwa

This name derives from the Amharic “Aläm Bägrwa,” meaning “The world under her foot.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language globally, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Frouméntios

This name derives from the Amharic-Argobba “frēmnāṭōs (ፍሬምናጦስ)” (Greek: Frouméntios’ Φρουμέντιος’), meaning unknown. Saint Frumentius († ~383) was the first Bishop of Aksum (or Axum), and he is credited with bringing Christianity to the Aksumite Kingdom.

Boy

Adugnah Bezu

This name derives from the Amharic “Adduññah Bïzu,” meaning “Your wealth is abundant.”

Girl

Amsale Genet

This name derives from the Amharic “Amsalä Gännät,” meaning “Image of paradise.” Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language in the world, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Asfekedeshiwal

This name derives from the Amharic “Asfäk’k’ ïdäšiwal,” meaning “You have asked him for permission”. Amharic is a Semitic language spoken in Ethiopia. It is the second-most spoken Semitic language in the world, after Arabic, and the official working language of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Girl

Frumêncio

This name derives from the Amharic-Argobba “frēmnāṭōs (ፍሬምናጦስ)” (Greek: Frouméntios’ Φρουμέντιος’), meaning unknown. Saint Frumentius († ~383) was the first Bishop of Aksum (or Axum), and he is credited with bringing Christianity to the Aksumite Kingdom.

Boy

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Popular Themes in Amharic Names

Related Origins

History of Amharic Names

Amharic names developed within the Amharic language tradition. The naming traditions from regions where Amharic is spoken have evolved over centuries, shaped by migration, trade, religion, and cultural exchange. Today's Amharic names carry this history.

Amharic naming traditions reflect the values and beliefs of regions where Amharic is spoken. Names served multiple purposes: identifying individuals, honoring ancestors, expressing hopes for a child's future, and marking religious or cultural affiliation. These functions shaped which names became popular and how they were used.

Today, Amharic names appear far beyond regions where Amharic is spoken. Immigration, global media, and cultural exchange have made many Amharic names familiar worldwide. Parents choose these names to honor heritage, appreciate their meanings, or simply because they like how they sound. The 64 names in this collection range from ancient choices still popular today to names that have fallen out of use but retain historical interest.

Amharic Naming Traditions

Amharic naming traditions have developed their own patterns and preferences. Names may honor family members, reflect religious beliefs, describe hoped-for qualities, or commemorate significant events. These patterns explain which names stayed popular.

These traditional patterns still matter, but modern parents also mix things up. Some combine traditional and contemporary elements, pick names from other cultures, or create unique variations of classic names.

Gender Distribution

64
Total Names
11
Boy Names (17%)
51
Girl Names (80%)

This collection breaks down to 17% masculine names (11) and 80% feminine names (51). About 3% (2) work as gender-neutral or unisex options.

How to Pronounce Amharic Names

Amharic names follow the phonetic rules of their language of origin. English speakers may need to adjust their pronunciation for sounds that don't exist in English. Each name page includes a pronunciation guide to help.

When in doubt about pronunciation, listening to native speakers helps more than reading transliterations. Each name page has a pronunciation guide. If you're considering a Amharic name for your child, say it out loud and think about how others in your community will pronounce it.

Amharic Names Today

The 64 Amharic names in this collection offer choices ranging from familiar options to rare discoveries. Each carries cultural meaning from regions where Amharic is spoken.

Amharic names for girls outnumber those for boys in our collection. Many cultures have developed distinct naming traditions for each gender.

Current naming trends show renewed interest in heritage names, with parents seeking meaningful connections to cultural roots. Some Amharic names have crossed over to mainstream use, while others remain specific to Amharic-speaking communities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Amharic Names

What are popular Amharic names for boys?

Popular Amharic names for boys include Adua, Abez, Adey, Desta, Abeba. Our database contains 11 Amharic names traditionally given to boys, ranging from classic choices to unique options.

What are popular Amharic names for girls?

Our collection includes 51 Amharic names for girls. Popular choices blend traditional sounds with meaningful origins. Use the feminine tab to explore options organized by popularity.

What do Amharic names typically mean?

Amharic names carry meanings from the Amharic language tradition. Common themes in Amharic names include gold, new, flower, beautiful. Each name in our database includes its specific meaning and cultural context.

How do you pronounce Amharic names?

Amharic names follow the phonetic rules of their language. Each name page includes a pronunciation guide. When uncertain, listening to native speakers provides the most accurate reference.

How many Amharic names are there?

This database contains 64 Amharic names: 11 for boys and 51 for girls. This represents documented names that have been used historically or are in current use. The actual number of Amharic names ever used is certainly higher.

Are Amharic names hard to spell?

Spelling difficulty depends on the specific name and your familiarity with Amharic phonetics. Some Amharic names have been adapted to English spelling conventions, making them straightforward. Others retain original spellings that may be unfamiliar. Consider how important easy spelling is to you when choosing a name.