Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Amal
GirlArabic· “hope”
- Meaning
- hope
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- uh-MAHL
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,241
- US babies 2025
- 181
- Best rank
- #1,045 (2021)
- Peak year
- 2021
Meaning and origin of Amal
Amal is an Arabic name that means “hope”.
Hope and aspiration are the meanings of Amal, an Arabic name. It is widely used across the Arab world and among Muslim families worldwide, and it is used for girls and sometimes for boys. The name has a gentle, optimistic sound and an uplifting meaning. Amal is easy to pronounce in English, with the stress usually on the second syllable. Mali is an affectionate nickname, and Amaal is an alternate transliteration. Its simple spelling travels well between languages.
Popularity over time
Amal first appears in US Social Security records in 1962. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,045 in 2021, the same year it reached its highest count of 241 babies. In 2025, 181 babies were named Amal, and it ranked #1,241 nationally. That is 55% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #3,511 in 1980, #2,213 in 2000, #3,127 in 2010, and #1,241 in 2025. Of the 4,141 US girls named Amal since records began, 30% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,142 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Ehlani, Nairobi, Giulia, Emberlyn, and Korra.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Amal ranked highest in Minnesota, New York, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | #461 | 11 |
| New York | #588 | 28 |
| New Jersey | #622 | 12 |
| Michigan | #638 | 12 |
| Virginia | #762 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 94% of US babies named Amal over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Amal is usually pronounced uh-MAHL, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with A and ends in “-al”.
Middle names for Amal
A few middle names that flow with Amal: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Amal
Similar names
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Lists that include Amal
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Amal mean?
Amal is an Arabic name that means “hope”.
What is the origin of the name Amal?
Amal has Arabic roots. Hope and aspiration are the meanings of Amal, an Arabic name.
Is Amal a popular name?
Not especially. Amal ranked #1,241 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Amal a boy or girl name?
Amal is mainly a girl's name. About 94% of US babies named Amal over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Amal?
Amal is usually pronounced uh-MAHL. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings