While it was once considered a “grandpa name,” Ambrose has dusted off its cobwebs to become a fresh, stylish choice for modern parents. It offers the vintage charm of Theodore without the overuse.
Verdict: Ambrose is an exceptional choice for a baby born in 2025. It hits the sweet spot of being familiar but not ubiquitous, offering your child a name that sounds distinguished on a resume yet approachable on the playground.
Ambrose Overview
- Meaning: Ambrose means immortal.
- Gender: Ambrose is traditionally a male name.
- Origin: Ambrose has Greek origins. It comes from the word ambrosia.
- Pronunciation: “AM-brohs”
- Popularity: Ambrose is fairly popular, and as of today it is the top 1,000 baby boy names in the United States.
- Nicknames: Am, Amber, Ambie, Amby, Ami, Amy, Bri, Bro, Brody, Brose, Brosie, Ro, Rose, Rosie, and Ross.
- Variations: Ambrogia, Ambrogina, Ambrogino, Ambroise, Ambrosia, Ambrosie, Ambrosio, Ambrosine, Ambrosios, Ambrosius, and Emrys.
- Namesake: Saint Ambrose, Ambrose Akinmusire, Ambrose Burnside.
What Does Ambrose Mean?
At its core, Ambrose is a name that promises eternity. The name means “immortal,” but to understand the depth of that meaning, we must look at the Ancient Greek concept of ambrosia.
In Greek mythology, ambrosia was the food or drink of the Greek gods (1). It was said that consuming it conferred longevity or immortality upon whoever ate it. Therefore, the name implies not just living forever, but possessing a divine quality.
While the etymology is rooted in mythology, the name’s soul is deeply Christian. It is inextricably linked to Saint Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan (374, 397 AD). He was a Doctor of the Church, a musical composer, and the man who converted Saint Augustine (2). Because of him, the name signifies intelligence, theological wisdom, and artistic capability.
Where Does the Name Ambrose Come From?
Ambrose is the English form of the Latin name Ambrosius, which itself is derived from the Greek name Ambrosios.
To break it down linguistically (3):
- A: A prefix acting as a negation (meaning “not”).
- Mbrotos: A derivative of mrotos (meaning “mortal”).
Combined, they create “immortal.” The name was rarely used in English-speaking countries until the post-medieval revival, but it was a favorite among British eccentrics and intellectuals in the 19th century.
How Popular is the Name Ambrose?
Ambrose is currently staging one of the most polite yet steady comebacks in the naming world. In the early 1900s, it was a staple, consistently ranking in the top 300 (4). It felt right at home in the Edwardian era.
However, as trends shifted toward shorter, punchier names in the mid-century, Ambrose began a long hibernation. It virtually disappeared from American nurseries between 1980 and 2000.
That trajectory has reversed. In the last decade, Ambrose has re-entered the charts and is climbing rapidly. It is no longer a dusty relic; it is a rising star. It appeals to parents who love the “vintage revival” trend but find Henry or Oliver too common. It is currently a “Goldilocks” name: recognizable to everyone, but your son will likely be the only Ambrose in his kindergarten class.
How Do I Pronounce Ambrose?
The standard English pronunciation is straightforward: AM-brohs.
The first syllable rhymes with “ham,” and the second syllable rhymes with “rose.”
Is Ambrose a Boy or Girl Name?
Ambrose is historically and traditionally a masculine Latin name. The heavy association with Saint Ambrose solidified its status as a male name for centuries.
However, the “rose” ending gives it a phonetic softness that is rare in boy names. While it remains predominantly male, some parents are beginning to view it as a softer, gender-neutral option, though the feminine form Ambrosine exists for those wanting a strictly female alternative.
Variations of Ambrose
Because the name traveled through the Church across Europe, it has several distinctive international variations:
- Ambroise: (French) A sophisticated, softer take on the name.
- Ambrosio: (Spanish/Italian) Adds a romantic, rhythmic flair.
- Ambrosios: (Greek) The original ancient form.
- Emrys: (Welsh) This is perhaps the most fascinating variation. Emrys is the Welsh form of Ambrose and is the name used for the wizard Merlin in Welsh legend.
- Ambrus: (Hungarian) A shorter, punchier version.
Nicknames for Ambrose
One of the challenges with Ambrose is that nicknames aren’t immediately obvious, but there are some true gems if you look closely.
- Bo: A modern, snappy nickname pulled from the center of the name.
- Bram: Typically short for Abraham, but the letters fit Ambrose perfectly and it carries a literary weight (Bram Stoker).
- Brody: A sporty twist on the first syllable.
- Rose: A daring, nature-inspired choice for a secure boy, or perfect for a girl.
- Amby: The traditional vintage nickname.
- Brose: A friendly, casual shortening.
Names Similar to Ambrose
If you love the “vibe” of Ambrose, scholarly, vintage, and gentle, you might also appreciate these aesthetic boy names:
- Alistair: Shares that sophisticated, British-intellectual feel.
- August: Another “A” name with ancient Roman roots and a soft ending.
- Benedict: Like Ambrose, this is a saintly name that feels academic and distinguished.
- Silas: A New Testament name that shares the soft “s” ending.
- Julian: A classic Roman name that is gentle rather than aggressive.
- Edmund: A vintage choice that feels ready for a comeback.
- Arthur: Shares the legendary, mythological weight of Ambrose.
- Theodore: A similar vintage feel, though much more popular.
Middle Names for Ambrose
Ambrose is a two-syllable name with a heavy emphasis on the first syllable. It pairs best with middle names that ground it.
Classic & Timeless
These pairings feel royal and established.
Modern & Cool
Use a short, punchy one-syllable name to balance the formal feel of Ambrose.
Literary & Whimsical
Lean into the “Dark Academia” vibe with these evocative choices.
- Ambrose Fox
- Ambrose Wilde
- Ambrose Grey
- Ambrose Orion
- Ambrose Jasper
Sibling Names for Ambrose
If you have an Ambrose, his siblings need names that can stand up to such a distinctive moniker. You want names associated with history, literature, or faith.
For a Brother
- Sebastian: A perfect match in length and romantic style.
- Francis: Another saintly name that is gentle and strong.
- Cassian: Shares the soft, antiquity feel.
- Gregory: A solid, rhythmic match.
- Leo: Short but carries the same ancient weight.
- Barnaby: A quirky, vintage option that lightens the mood.
For a Sister
- Florence: Vintage, artistic, and location-based like Ambrose of Milan.
- Catherine: A “Great Classic” that never fades.
- Clementine: Shares the soft, multi-syllable sweetness.
- Beatrice: A literary match (Dante) that fits perfectly.
- Veronica: Strong, religious roots with great nickname potential.
- Elizabeth: The ultimate timeless pairing.
Famous People Named Ambrose
- Saint Ambrose: The influential Bishop of Milan and patron saint of learning.
- Ambrose Burnside: A Civil War General famous for his distinct facial hair; the term “sideburns” was coined from his last name.
- Ambrose Bierce: A famous American short story writer and journalist known for his wit and mysterious disappearance.
- Ambrose Akinmusire: A celebrated modern jazz trumpeter.
Ambrose in Pop Culture
Pop culture has played a massive role in Ambrose’s recent spike in popularity.
- Ambrose Spellman: A breakout character in Netflix’s The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. He is witty, magical, and stylish, introducing the name to a Gen Z audience.
- Ambrose Jakis: A notable character in Patrick Rothfuss’s The Kingkiller Chronicle series.
- Ambrose Monk: The agoraphobic and brilliant brother of the main character in the TV series Monk.
FAQs About the Name Ambrose
Is Ambrose in the Bible?
No, Ambrose is not a name found in the Bible. However, it is considered a deeply religious and traditional Christian name due to Saint Ambrose of Milan, who was one of the four original Doctors of the Church in the 4th century.
Does Ambrose Mean Rose?
No, Ambrose does not mean rose. The name comes from the Greek “Ambrosios” meaning “immortal.” The ending sound “-ose” is purely phonetic and unrelated to the flower, though “Rose” is occasionally used as a playful nickname.
What Nationality Is Ambrose?
Ambrose is the English version of a Greek name. While it originated in Greece and was Latinized by the Romans, the spelling “Ambrose” is distinctly English. It has been used in Britain since the Middle Ages.
Is Ambrose a Rare Name?
Ambrose is becoming less rare. While it was considered unique in the 1990s, it has risen into the top 1,000 names in the US and is climbing. It is currently considered a “stylish vintage” choice rather than a truly obscure one.
Is the Name Ambrose Considered “Dark Academia”?
Yes, Ambrose is considered a quintessential “Dark Academia” name. It fits the aesthetic perfectly because it is associated with history, literature, classical studies, and brooding romanticism, similar to names like Dorian, Silas, and Atticus.
What is the Welsh Version of Ambrose?
The Welsh variation of Ambrose is “Emrys.” In Arthurian legend, Merlin is often referred to as Merlin Emrys or simply Emrys. This connects the name Ambrose directly to the legend of King Arthur and the wizard Merlin.
Is Ambrose Hard to Spell?
No, Ambrose is generally considered easy to spell and pronounce. It follows standard English phonetic rules. The only common spelling error is occasionally replacing the “s” with a “z” (Ambroze), though this is rare.
Does Ambrose Have a Feminine Version?
Yes, the feminine form of Ambrose is “Ambrosine.” It is a rare French and English name. However, in modern naming trends, some parents use Ambrose itself for girls, or the related name “Ambrosia.”
