The Meaning of the Name Amata
Amata is a Latin name meaning “beloved” or “dear one.” It is derived from the Latin word amatus, which means “to love.” The name has been used in literature since the 16th century and is still popular today.
History and Origin
The origin of the name Amata can be traced back to ancient Rome. In Roman mythology, Amata was the wife of Latinus, king of Latium. She was also the mother of Lavinia, who was betrothed to Aeneas, a Trojan prince. According to legend, Amata was so distraught at the thought of her daughter marrying a foreigner that she attempted to kill herself. This story has been immortalized in Virgil’s epic poem The Aeneid.
In addition to its use in literature, Amata has also been used as a given name throughout history. It was popular among early Christians and was often given to children born on special occasions such as Christmas or Easter. In more recent times, it has become increasingly popular in Europe and North America.
Popularity
Amata is not a particularly common name in the United States; it ranked 2,945th in popularity for girls born in 2019 according to Social Security Administration data. However, it is much more popular in other parts of the world; it is currently ranked within the top 100 names for girls in Italy and Spain.
Famous People Named Amata
There are several famous people who have borne the name Amata throughout history. These include:
- Amata of Sparta – an ancient Greek princess who married Menelaus, King of Sparta.
- Amata della Scala – an Italian noblewoman who lived during the 14th century.
- Amata Kabua – the first female president of the Marshall Islands.
- Amata Coleman Radewagen – an American politician who currently serves as a delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from American Samoa.
