The name Amaro is of Spanish and Italian origin, meaning "bitter" in both languages. It is derived from the Latin word "amarus," which also means bitter or harsh.
In Spain, Amaro is a popular given name for boys, often used as a shortened form of the more traditional names Amarildo or Amaranta. It has been used by several notable figures throughout history, including the Spanish philosopher José Amaro de la Hoz and the Italian writer Luigi Amaro.
The use of the name Amaro can be traced back to medieval Spain, where it was often given to children born during difficult times or those who were considered to have a bitter or challenging personality. Despite its potentially negative connotation, the name has gained popularity over time due to its uniqueness and distinctive sound.
Today, Amaro is still used as a given name for boys in both Spain and Italy, although it remains relatively rare compared to more popular names such as Mario or Antonio. Its unique meaning and origin continue to make it an interesting choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
The name Amaro experienced a significant surge in popularity starting from the year 2017 onwards. Prior to that, it maintained a relatively low and consistent number of births annually, fluctuating between 5 and 6 births per year over a span of almost four decades (1977-2016). However, since 2017, there has been a substantial increase in the number of newborns named Amaro, with 180 total births recorded between 1977 and 2023.