Ames
2025 SSA
Below 5 births
About Ames
One of those place and surname names that hasn't be used much as a first name yet -- but could soon. You could think of it as a fun, one-syllable twist on Amos. Ames is also notable as a surname that comes from a female name, Amys or Amice, ultimately deriving from the Latin amicus, "friend".
Ames for girls
Ames is that jewel of a name that's simple and familiar while at the same time being unusual and rare. With gender neutral surname names ending in S trending today -- think Brooks, Wells, Oakes -- Ames can make a perfect update on Amy or Amanda.
Pronounced AYMZ.
As of October 2026, Ames ranked #1754 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #1695 in 2020, Nameberry popularity #816.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #2,806 | 42 | 21.9 |
| 2015 | #2,459 | 51 | 26.6 |
| 2016 | #1,762 | 87 | 45.8 |
| 2017 | #2,033 | 69 | 37.3 |
| 2018 | #2,047 | 70 | 38.5 |
| 2019 | #2,081 | 69 | 38.5 |
| 2020 | #1,695 | 92 | 53.3 |
| 2021 | #1,784 | 89 | 50.9 |
| 2022 | #2,097 | 71 | 40.7 |
| 2023 | #1,753 | 93 | 54.4 |
| 2024 | #2,007 | 76 | 44.1 |
| 2025 | #1,754 | 92 | 53.9 |
World rankings
Ames for boys
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Ames on lists
Famous Amess
- Ames McNamaraBoy
child actor
Ames in pop culture
- AmesBoy
Iowa, City in Iowa that is home to Iowa State University
- Austin AmesBoy
Character in the movie "A Cinderella Story" Played by Chad Michael Murray
- AmesBoy
A defunct department store, allegedly making a comeback to the United States in 2026.