What does Amarilis mean and where does it come from?
Amarilis, deriving from the Greek word 'amarus', means 'to sparkle.' The name is associated with the amaryllis flower, a symbol of beauty and pride. In Spanish-speaking countries, it is commonly associated with femininity and grace. Notable people include Amarilis of the stage and screen, representi
Cultural significance
Amarilis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spain-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a type of flower, amarillo (yellow).
Peak popularity
Reached #3570 in 1985 — currently #9014 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spain-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Amarilis?
Amarilis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Amarilis Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Amarilis Rose
Floral · soft ending
Amarilis Mae
Sweet · timeless
Amarilis Claire
French influence · crisp
Amarilis Jane
Literary · strong
Amarilis Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Amarilis right now?
Falling — down 1360 spots — currently #9014 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #9014 | 11 | ▼ down 1360 · -21% births |
| 2022 | #7654 | 14 | ▲ up 2683 · +56% births |
| 2021 | #10337 | 9 | ▼ down 8 |
| 2020 | #10329 | 9 | ▲ up 712 |
| 2015 | #11041 | 9 | ▼ down 2696 · -36% births |
| 2010 | #8345 | 14 | ▲ up 2773 · +56% births |
| 2005 | #11118 | 9 | ▲ up 956 · +29% births |
| 2000 | #12074 | 7 | ▼ down 6008 · -53% births |
| 1995 | #6066 | 15 | ▼ down 2210 · -44% births |
| 1990 | #3856 | 27 | ▼ down 286 · +13% births |
| 1985 | #3570 | 24 | ▲ up 1540 · +71% births |
| 1980 | #5110 | 14 | ▼ down 1032 · -12% births |
| 1975 | #4078 | 16 | ▲ up 1159 · +100% births |
| 1965 | #5237 | 8 | — |
The story of Amarilis
Amarilis is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1961. With 697 total births recorded, Amarilis remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5237 in 1965, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9014 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Amarilis in 1985:
Amarilis by decade
Amarilis peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 33 | |
| 1970s | 89 | |
| 1980s | 165 | |
| 1990s ★ | 184 | |
| 2000s | 131 | |
| 2010s | 86 | |
| 2020s | 9 | |
💎Amarilis has only 697 total recorded births since 1961 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Amarilis?
What names sound and feel like Amarilis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Amarilis also consider these
How is Amarilis written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Amarilis
What does the name Amarilis mean?
Amarilis means "a type of flower, Amarillo (yellow)" — a name rooted in Spain 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 Amarilis?
Amarilis is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Amarilis have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Amarilis?
Amarilis originates from Spain tradition. Spain 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 Amarilis?
Amarilis is a four-syllable name pronounced AH0 M AA1 R IH1 L IH0 Z. 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 Amarilis?
Amarilis pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spain heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.