The nameAmir

Amir is a boy's name of Arabic origin meaning "prince, commander". It is used in the Arab world, Iran, Israel and beyond.

Meaning

Amir comes from the Arabic amīr, "commander, prince", the word that gave emir in English. In Hebrew, amir means "treetop".

Origin

Arabic and Hebrew. The title amir al-mu'minin, "commander of the faithful", was borne by the caliphs.

History

Amir is common in many countries. In the United States it reached the top 100 in recent years.

Amir in other languages

Amir is spelled the same in Arabic, Persian, Turkish and Hebrew. The word emir comes from the same root. The feminine is Amira.

Famous people named Amir

Popularity of the name Amir

Amir in the United States

95thmost popular boys' name in the United States in 2024
2023peak year (3,641 births)
52,912babies named Amir in the United States since 1880
01,8213,641 18801900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in the United States. Source: Social Security Administration, names given at least 5 times a year.

Amir was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 20,639 births over the decade, 39% of all recorded babies named Amir. Its rise began around 1996, and it peaked in 2023. Half of all babies named Amir in the United States were born before 2016, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 3,374 births a year on average, against 2,587 in the five years before.

Amir in the United Kingdom

223rdmost popular boys' name in the United Kingdom in 2025
2024peak year (270 births)
4,224babies named Amir in the United Kingdom since 1997
0135270 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in the United Kingdom. Source: ONS, NRS and NISRA (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), names given at least 3 times a year.

Amir was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 1,492 births over the decade, 35% of all recorded babies named Amir. Half of all babies named Amir in the United Kingdom were born before 2014, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 225 births a year on average, against 164 in the five years before.

Amir in France

56thmost popular boys' name in France, latest official figures
2019peak year (1,605 births)
20,555babies named Amir in France since 1900
08031,605 1900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in France. Source: Insee, French national statistics office, latest official figures. Rounded numbers.

Amir in Belgium

21stmost popular boys' name in Belgium in 2025
2019peak year (252 births)
3,278babies named Amir in Belgium since 1995
0126252 1995200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Belgium. Source: Statbel, names given at least 5 times a year.

Amir in Switzerland

114thmost popular boys' name in Switzerland in 2025
2025peak year (64 births)
982babies named Amir in Switzerland since 2000
03264 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Switzerland. Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Amir in Austria

76thmost popular boys' name in Austria in 2025
2025peak year (96 births)
1,090babies named Amir in Austria since 1984
04896 198519901995200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Austria. Source: Statistik Austria (until 2009, Austrian nationals only).

Amir in Norway

133rdmost popular boys' name in Norway in 2025
2017peak year (47 births)
1,341babies named Amir in Norway since 1945
02447 1960198020002020
Births per year in Norway. Source: Statistics Norway (SSB), table 10467.

Variants and related names

Sibling names for Amir

Names from the same generation as Amir, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.

For a sister

For a brother

How many people are named Amir? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz

Compare Amir with another name

Meaning, origin and popularity of Amir side by side with the name of your choice.

Amir in our baby name lists

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Amir mean?

Amir comes from the Arabic amīr, "commander, prince", the word that gave emir in English. In Hebrew, amir means "treetop".

What is the origin of the name Amir?

Arabic and Hebrew. The title amir al-mu'minin, "commander of the faithful", was borne by the caliphs.

Is Amir a girl's or a boy's name?

Amir is a boy's name.

How popular is the name Amir?

In 2024, Amir was the 95th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 3,625 births.

What are the variants of the name Amir?

Variants and related names of Amir include Amira.

What are good sibling names for Amir?

Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Iris, Zara, Leilani and Athena for a sister, Muhammad, Elias, Lorenzo and Roman for a brother.

Who are famous people named Amir?

Amir Khan, boxer; Amir Khusrau, poet; Aamir Khan, actor (Aamir).