What does Amalia mean and where does it come from?
Amalia is of German and Latin origin, derived from the Germanic name 'Amal,' which means 'work.' It is often used in German-speaking countries, but it also has variations in other cultures, such as 'Amelia' in English. The name has been borne by various princesses and notable figures throughout hist
Cultural significance
Amalia has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of work.
Peak popularity
Reached #494 in 1885 — currently #528 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Amalia?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Amalia?
Amalia works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Amalia Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Amalia Rose
Floral · soft ending
Amalia Mae
Sweet · timeless
Amalia Claire
French influence · crisp
Amalia Jane
Literary · strong
Amalia Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Amalia right now?
Rising fast — up 54 spots — currently #528 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #528 | 575 | ▲ up 54 · +12% births |
| 2022 | #582 | 513 | ▼ down 36 · -8% births |
| 2021 | #546 | 559 | ▲ up 24 · +10% births |
| 2020 | #570 | 510 | ▲ up 256 · +50% births |
| 2015 | #826 | 339 | ▲ up 255 · +47% births |
| 2010 | #1081 | 230 | ▲ up 134 · +23% births |
| 2005 | #1215 | 187 | ▲ up 76 · +26% births |
| 2000 | #1291 | 149 | ▼ down 104 · +3% births |
| 1995 | #1187 | 144 | ▼ down 1 |
| 1990 | #1186 | 144 | ▲ up 53 · +31% births |
| 1985 | #1239 | 110 | ▲ up 71 · +13% births |
| 1980 | #1310 | 97 | ▲ up 6 · +17% births |
| 1975 | #1316 | 83 | ▲ up 129 · +17% births |
| 1970 | #1445 | 71 | ▼ down 108 · +6% births |
| 1965 | #1337 | 67 | — |
The story of Amalia
Amalia has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 13,727 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #582 in 1880 to #528 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Amalia in 1885:
Amalia by decade
Amalia peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 140 | |
| 1890s | 203 | |
| 1900s | 209 | |
| 1910s | 559 | |
| 1920s | 905 | |
| 1930s | 543 | |
| 1940s | 514 | |
| 1950s | 657 | |
| 1960s | 708 | |
| 1970s | 864 | |
| 1980s | 1,055 | |
| 1990s | 1,367 | |
| 2000s | 1,977 | |
| 2010s ★ | 3,516 | |
| 2020s | 510 | |
What are good nicknames for Amalia?
Famous people named Amalia
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Amalia (medieval German ruler)
Amalia bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
A(
Amalia (Norse explorer)
Amalia carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
A(
Amalia (German philosopher)
Amalia used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
A(
Amalia (Scandinavian royal)
Amalia held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Amalia?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Amalia also consider these
How is Amalia written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Amalia
What does the name Amalia mean?
Amalia means "work" — a name rooted in Germanic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Amalia?
Amalia is currently ranked #528 as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Amalia have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Amalia?
Amalia originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Amalia?
Amalia is a three-syllable name pronounced AH0 M AA1 L Y AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Amalia?
Amalia pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Germanic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.