Ambrose

Ambrose is the English form of the Greek “ambrosios” (Αμβροσιος) meaning “immortal”. It’s the same root from where we get the word “ambrosia” (i.e., nectar of the gods), from the Greek elements “a-“ (not) and “mbrotos” (mortal) – the consumption of which brought immortality to the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology. The main reason behind this name’s enduring usage is owed to Saint Ambrose, a 4th century saint, theologian, and one of the four preeminent Doctors of the Church (the other three being Gregory, Augustine and Jerome). Among other patronages, Saint Ambrose is the patron saint of bees and beekeepers because, as legend had it, when Ambrose was a baby, a swarm of bees landed on his face. His father immediately took this as a good omen – that the baby would grow up with a “honeyed tongue” and become a great orator. And indeed he did. Ambrose’s popularity as a saint and important figure within the Catholic Church served to perpetuate his name throughout the Middle Ages. Although Ambrose is no longer a common baby boy’s name among English-speakers, Ambroise (the French form) is still used with some regularity in France. There is a certain air of refinery, sophistication and dignity to the name Ambrose.