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Amelie

♀ Girl

Pronounced AM-uh-lee /ˈæm.ə.li/High

Meaning: French form of Amelia, derived from the Old High German Amal or Amali, the name of a noble Germanic dynasty meaning 'labor', 'vigor', or 'industriousness'High

In 30 seconds: Amelie is the charming French form of Amelia, meaning hardworking and industrious from Old High German roots. The 2001 French film of the same name gave this name a romantic, whimsical global image.
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Origin HighOld High German, French
MeaningFrench form of Amelia, derived from the Old High German Amal or Amali, the name of a noble Germanic dynasty meaning 'labor', 'vigor', or 'industriousness'
U.S. rank (2025)#828 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births329 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2013
Total births (all-time)≈ 9,652

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201318862025

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

History & Origin

Amelie is the French form of Amelia, which derives from the Old High German tribal name Amal — the dynastic name of the Ostrogothic nobility. Amal is related to the Old High German amal, meaning 'work' or 'vigor'. The name traveled through Latin as Aemilia and through French as Amelie, becoming popular across Europe in the medieval and early modern periods.

Amelie became internationally recognized in the 21st century primarily through director Jean-Pierre Jeunet's 2001 film. In France the name has been consistently popular; in English-speaking countries it gained ground as a Francophile alternative to the dominant spelling Amelia. The accent-free spelling Amelie (without the accent aigu over the first e) is the standard form used outside France.

Did you know? The 2001 French film Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amelie Poulain — known internationally simply as Amelie — became one of the highest-grossing French films ever made, turning the name into a worldwide emblem of Parisian charm and quirky romance.
Overall data confidence 92%
Behind the Name — Amelie — French form etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

AmeliaAmalieEmilieAmelie

Nicknames

AmiMelMeli

Famous Bearers

  • ★Amelie Mauresmo (1979–present)
    French professional tennis player who won two Grand Slam singles titles and served as captain of the French Davis Cup team.

If you like Amelie…

Amelia— the dominant English spelling of the same name
Emilie— shares the French -ie ending and Old High German root
Elise— same French feminine elegance and three-syllable musicality
Celine— fellow charming French feminine name with classical roots

Frequently Asked

What does the name Amelie mean?

Amelie means hardworking or industrious, from the Old High German Amal root meaning labor and vigor.

How do you pronounce Amelie?

It is said AM-uh-lee, with three syllables.

Is Amelie the same as Amelia?

Amelie is the French form of Amelia; they share the same Germanic root but Amelie has a distinctly French sound and spelling.

Is Amelie a popular name?

Amelie is popular in France and has gained significant international use since the 2001 film.