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Amelia

♀ Girl

Pronounced uh-MEE-lee-uh /əˈmiː.li.ə/High

Meaning: Work; industrious; strivingHigh

In 30 seconds: A Germanic classic meaning 'work' and 'industrious.' Blending medieval roots with Victorian charm, Amelia has ranked in the U.S. top five girls' names for over a decade.
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Origin HighGermanic, Latin
MeaningWork; industrious; striving
Peak year2017
Total births (all-time)≈ 179,403

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201718802017

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

History & Origin

Amelia derives from the Old High German element amal, referring to hard work or vigor, and associated with the royal Amal dynasty. The name was introduced to Britain by the Hanoverians in the 18th century, most notably through Princess Amelia, daughter of King George III.

The name grew in British and American use through the 18th and 19th centuries. Aviator Amelia Earhart (1897–1937) gave it a bold, adventurous association in the 20th century. After a mid-century dip, it revived strongly in the 2000s and has consistently ranked in the U.S. top five since.

Did you know? Amelia is sometimes confused with the Latin name Aemilia (from which Emily derives), but the two names have distinct origins — Amelia comes from the Germanic element amal, associated with the royal Amal dynasty of the Visigoths.

Variations

AmaliaAmélieEmiliaAmalie

Nicknames

AmyMillieMiaLiaMel

Famous Bearers

  • ★Amelia Earhart (1897–1937)
    American aviation pioneer, first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic.

If you like Amelia…

Olivia— shares the four-syllable -ia elegance at the top of charts
Emma— fellow top-five vintage revival classic
Charlotte— equally regal and literary with a long history
Eleanor— shares the dignified vintage quality
Isabella— another romantic multi-syllable -a ending name

Frequently Asked

What does the name Amelia mean?

Amelia comes from the Old High German element amal, meaning 'work' or 'industrious,' associated with the ancient Amal royal dynasty.

How do you pronounce Amelia?

Amelia is pronounced uh-MEE-lee-uh /əˈmiː.li.ə/ (four syllables).

Is Amelia a boy or girl name?

Amelia is used almost exclusively as a girl's name.

How popular is Amelia?

Amelia has ranked in the U.S. top five girls' names consistently since the early 2010s, reaching #1 in England and Australia in recent years.