Background <p>The relationship between aromatic amines (AA)s and depressive disorder remains elusive. The aim of this investigation was to examine the potential link between urinary AA levels and the likelihood of depression in American adults.</p> Methods <p>Through the analysis of data from 1175 participants in the 2013–2014 NHANES, our study delved into the association between urinary AA levels and the incidence of depression. Assessment of depression severity was conducted using the PHQ-9 questionnaire, alongside measuring levels of six urinary AAs. We explored this correlation in the overall population and various subgroups by employing a multivariable logistic model, restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis, and a sensitivity analysis model while adjusting for potential confounding variables.</p> Results <p>Participants diagnosed with depression exhibited elevated levels of 1-Aminonaphthalene, 2-Aminonaphthalene and 2,6-Dimethylaniline compared to non-depressed individuals. Specifically, the presence of 2-Aminonaphthalene was correlated with an elevated likelihood of depression in continuous and categorical models (OR: 1.013, CI: 1.004–1.023, <i>p</i> = 0.006; Q4 vs. Q1: OR: 1.687, CI: 1.015–2.805, <i>p</i> = 0.037) after fully adjusted for gender, RIP, education level, BMI, smoking, hypertension and diabetes. The likelihood of depression showed a statistically significant linear dose-response relationship with 2-Aminonaphthalene (P_linear = 0.001) after adjusting for confounding variables. Furthermore, subgroup analyses showed revealed a correlation between urinary 2-Aminonaphthalene levels and depression among female individuals and smokers, which remained consistent with sensitivity analyses.</p> Conclusion <p>Elevated levels of certain amino acids in urine were associated with a higher likelihood of depression. Notably, 2-aminonaphthalene appeared to be a significant contributing factor, particularly among smokers.</p>