Amy

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A feminine given name of English origin, often used as a short form of names such as Amelia or Amanda
2. A common female first name popular in English-speaking countries, given to many girls born during the twentieth century
3. A personal name for women and girls, traditionally linked to the Old French word meaning beloved

Etymology: Amy is a given name whose Latin root means "beloved," and it reached English by way of French. The Latin "Amata" was a personal name built on "amatus," the past participle of "amare," to love. Over time it developed into the Old French "Amee," which was used both as a nickname and as a form of the Latin original. The name was later anglicized into "Amy," turning the French vowel-and-accent pattern into a form that sits comfortably in English spelling. What began as a term of endearment, in the sense of a beloved person, has become a common personal name that carries that original meaning in its sound.