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Amalia

♀ Girl

Pronounced ah-MAH-lee-uh /əˈmɑː.li.ə/High

Meaning: Work; industrious — from the Germanic element amal, associated with labor and the Amal dynasty of the GothsHigh

In 30 seconds: A melodic Germanic classic meaning 'industrious,' Amalia is the continental form of Amelia, carrying old-world elegance across German, Spanish, and Italian cultures.
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Origin HighGermanic
MeaningWork; industrious — from the Germanic element amal, associated with labor and the Amal dynasty of the Goths
U.S. rank (2025)#566 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births530 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2023
Total births (all-time)≈ 16,474

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202318802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Amalia derives from the Germanic element amal, meaning labor or work, and was associated with the noble Amal dynasty of the Ostrogoths. The name traveled through medieval Europe in forms like Amalie and Amalia, becoming a royal favorite in German, Dutch, and Scandinavian courts. It is related to but distinct from Amelia, which has a separate Latin origin.

Amalia has enjoyed sustained use across continental Europe and Latin America, where it integrates naturally into Spanish and Italian phonetics. In the English-speaking world it has risen as an elegant alternative to the dominant Amelia, offering the same melodious sound with a more international character.

Did you know? Princess Amalia of the Netherlands, born in 2003, bears this name and is the heir apparent to the Dutch throne — keeping Amalia firmly in royal naming tradition.
Overall data confidence 92%
Behind the Name — Amalia — etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AmeliaAmalieAmélieEmalia

Nicknames

AmiMaliaLiaMally

Famous Bearers

  • ★Princess Amalia of the Netherlands (2003–present)
    Heir apparent to the Dutch throne; daughter of King Willem-Alexander.

If you like Amalia…

Amelia— the closely related form sharing the same Germanic root and flowing sound
Emilia— shares the same melodious four-syllable structure and -ia ending
Natalia— another elegant European classic ending in -ia with similar cadence
Cecilia— shares the same vintage, continental European elegance

Frequently Asked

What does the name Amalia mean?

Amalia means 'work' or 'industrious,' from the Germanic element amal associated with the Amal dynasty.

How do you pronounce Amalia?

It is said ah-MAH-lee-uh — four syllables with stress on the second.

Is Amalia the same as Amelia?

They are related but distinct; Amalia is the Germanic form while Amelia has a separate Latin root meaning 'rival.'

Is Amalia popular?

Amalia has grown steadily in the United States and ranks in the top 400 girls' names, boosted by the broader popularity of Amelia.