Last Name Ama

The last name "Ama" is of Igbo origin and is a common surname among the Igbo people of Nigeria. It is derived from the Igbo word "ama" which means "land" or "home." The surname may have originated from a person or family that is associated with a particular piece of land or location. In Igbo culture, land and ancestral heritage are important, so surnames like "Ama" often reflect this connection to the land or place of origin.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Ama

The surname Ama is of Japanese origin and is derived from the Japanese word "ama," which means "heavenly" or "sky." It is a common surname in Japan and is often used as a first name as well. The origin of the surname can be traced back to ancient Japanese culture and beliefs, where the concept of the sky and heavens held great significance. People with the surname Ama may be perceived as having noble or divine qualities, reflecting the meaning of the word. Additionally, the surname Ama may also have connections to the Shinto religion, where the sky is seen as a sacred realm. Overall, the surname Ama carries a sense of spirituality, beauty, and reverence for the natural world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ama

The last name Ama is most commonly found in Nigeria, where it originates. It is a popular surname among the Yoruba people, who are one of the largest ethnic groups in the country. Outside of Nigeria, the name Ama can also be found in Ghana, where it is considered a variant of the Akan name Amma. In addition, there are smaller populations of individuals with the last name Ama in countries such as Japan, where it is a common female given name, and the Philippines. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Ama is primarily concentrated in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Ghana, with smaller populations in other parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ama

The last name "Ama" can have several variations and spellings. Some possible variations include Amma, Amah, Aamah, Ahma, and Aama. Due to differences in pronunciation and transliteration, the name can be spelled in different ways, such as Aamah, Amah, Amma, and Ahma. Different regions and cultures may have their own preferred spellings and pronunciations of the last name Ama. Additionally, in some cases the last name may also be hyphenated or combined with another name, resulting in variations such as Ama-Smith or Ama-Doe. Overall, the last name Ama can have a variety of spellings and variations, reflecting the diversity and complexity of language and naming conventions.

Famous people with the last name Ama

One famous person with the last name Ama is Khotso Sethuntsa Ama, a talented South African long-distance runner who competed in the 1948 Summer Olympics in London. Another well-known individual with the last name Ama is Satoshi Ama, a Japanese professional golfer who has won numerous titles on the Japan Golf Tour. Additionally, Sara Ama, a popular French chef and food influencer, has gained a large following for her innovative vegan recipes and food activism. Lastly, Mihura Ama is a notable Ghanaian artist known for his vibrant and abstract paintings that often explore themes of identity and culture. Each of these individuals has made a significant impact in their respective fields, showcasing the diverse talents and achievements of those with the last name Ama.

Genealogical research on the last name Ama

Researching the last name Ama can lead one to various origins and histories. The surname Ama is commonly found in Japan, where it is derived from the Japanese word for "heaven" or "sky." It is also a common surname in many African countries, particularly in Nigeria and Ghana. In these regions, the name Ama is often associated with the Akan people and signifies "Saturday born" in the Akan language. Additionally, the surname Ama can also be found in parts of Europe, particularly in countries like Spain and Italy. In these regions, the name Ama is likely to have originated as a shortened form of longer surnames, such as Amador in Spanish or Amato in Italian. Overall, the surname Ama carries diverse cultural and linguistic meanings, making it an intriguing subject for genealogical research.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Ama"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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