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Last Name Amari

What is the origin of the last name Amari?

The last name "Amari" has multiple origins, depending on the region and culture. Here are a few possible origins: 1. Arabic: In Arabic, "Amari" can be derived from the word "ammar" (عمّار), which means "builder" or "constructor." It could have been a surname given to individuals associated with construction or skilled craftsmanship. 2. Italian: In Italian, "Amari" is derived from the adjective "amaro," meaning "bitter." It could have been a nickname or a descriptive surname given to someone with a bitter or melancholic personality. 3. Japanese: In Japanese, "Amari" is written as 甘利, with the kanji characters "甘" meaning "sweet" and "利" meaning "advantage" or "benefit." It could represent a surname associated with sweetness or advantageous qualities. It's essential to consider various factors, such as geographical origins, family histories, and personal migrations, to determine the precise origin of any surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Amari

The meaning and origin of the last name Amari

The surname Amari derives its origin from multiple sources. In some cases, it is of Arabic origin, coming from the given name "Aamar," meaning "builder" or "constructor." This suggests that the original bearers of the name may have been involved in professions related to construction or building. Additionally, the name can be traced back to Italy, where it is of Sicilian origin. In this context, the name is believed to be derived from the Sicilian dialect word "ammari," meaning "to love" or "to like." Consequently, the surname Amari may have been a nickname given to individuals who were known for their loving or affectionate nature. Variations of the name Amari can be found across the globe, with individuals of diverse backgrounds carrying this surname. Despite its diverse origins, the name Amari often represents qualities associated with construction, love, or affection.

Geographical distribution of the last name Amari

The last name Amari has a diverse geographical distribution, with notable concentrations in several countries. Italy has the highest number of individuals with the Amari surname, particularly in the regions of Sicily and Calabria. The name can also be found in significant numbers throughout various regions of North Africa, especially in Tunisia and Algeria, where it has both Arab and Berber roots. In these countries, the name is commonly spelled as Al Amari or Ammari. The Amari surname has also spread to other parts of the world due to migration and diaspora. In the United States, individuals with this last name can be found in significant numbers, particularly in states with historically high Italian immigration, such as New York and California. Overall, the geographical distribution of the Amari surname reflects its historical origins in Italy and its subsequent dispersal through migration to different parts of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Amari

The last name Amari has a few variations and spellings, although they all retain a similar pronunciation. One common variation is Amery, which maintains the same vowel sounds but alters the final consonant. Another variant is Amarii, where an extra "i" is added at the end, possibly to emphasize the last syllable. Some other potential spellings include Amary, Amaree, and Amarie. These spellings may slightly modify the appearance of the name, but they still preserve the core pronunciation of "Ah-mah-ree." It is worth noting that names and surnames can have numerous regional and cultural variations, so there might be other spellings of Amari across different languages or countries. However, these mentioned variations are more commonly associated with the last name Amari in an English-speaking context.

Famous people with the last name Amari

One prominent figure with the last name Amari is Giuseppe Amari, an influential Italian historian and politician of the 19th century. Born in 1801, Amari dedicated his life to the study of Sicilian history and culture, particularly during the Arab reign. His seminal works, such as "The War of the Vespers" and "History of the Arab Rule in Sicily," brought him international recognition and praise for his meticulous research and narrative skill. Amari played a vital role in shaping Italian national identity and advocating for Sicilian autonomy within the newly formed Italian state. Furthermore, his political career saw him serving as a minister for education and public instruction. Giuseppe Amari's invaluable contributions to the realms of history, politics, and cultural heritage continue to be celebrated and remembered today.

Genealogical research on the last name Amari

The genealogical research on the last name Amari traces back to its origins in Italy. The surname Amari is of Sicilian origin and derives from the Arabic word "amir," meaning prince or commander. It is believed that the name originated during the Arab rule in Sicily, which lasted from the 9th to the 11th centuries. Over time, individuals with the surname Amari migrated from Sicily to different parts of Italy and even abroad. Their descendants can now be found in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Argentina, and France, among others. Genealogical records indicate that the Amari family has spread through several generations, with numerous branches and individuals adopting variations or alternative spellings of the surname. The genealogical research on the Amari family reveals a rich history that intertwines Sicilian heritage, Arab influence, and dispersion across different continents.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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