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Amaryllis

♀ Girl

Pronounced am-uh-RIHL-ihs /æm.ə.ˈɹɪl.ɪs/Medium

Meaning: to sparkle, shineMedium

In 30 seconds: Amaryllis is a Greek name meaning 'to sparkle' or 'shine', also known as the name of a flower.
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Origin MediumGreek
Meaningto sparkle, shine
U.S. rank (2024)#2689 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births64 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2023
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,779

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202319262024

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

History & Origin

From Greek, Amaryllis carries the meaning 'to sparkle' or 'shine'. The name became famous through Greek pastoral poetry, where Amaryllis appears as a shepherdess, and it later attached itself to the bright flower we know today. Its meaning and floral association both point to brightness and bloom.

The name has an ornate, flowing sound across its four syllables, well matched to its 'shine' meaning. The Spanish form Amarilis trims the spelling while keeping the same radiant sense.

Did you know? The meaning usually attached to Amaryllis is 'to sparkle', and that core idea is what gives the name most of its long-term appeal.
Overall data confidence 78%
Behind the Name - Amaryllis — etymology, usage, pronunciation, and related formsU.S. Social Security Administration — 2024 popularity rank and count supplied in the batch input CSVEtymology — Amaryllis — meaning/etymology

Variations

Amarilis

Nicknames

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If you like Amaryllis…

Daphne— Another Greek name tied to plant imagery, echoing Amaryllis's floral side.
Iris— A Greek flower name, paralleling Amaryllis's bloom association.
Chloe— A Greek name from pastoral poetry, the same literary world Amaryllis belongs to.
Calla— A flower name with a Greek feel, sharing Amaryllis's botanical theme.

Frequently Asked

What does the name Amaryllis mean?

Amaryllis is usually explained as meaning 'to sparkle' and is most often linked with Literature tradition.

How do you pronounce Amaryllis?

It's commonly said am-uh-RIHL-ihs /æm.ə.ˈɹɪl.ɪs/.

Is Amaryllis a boy or girl name?

In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Amaryllis is used as a girl name.

How popular is Amaryllis?

In 2024, Amaryllis ranked #2689 in the U.S. for girls, with 64 births recorded.