Amelia

“work”

Germanic origin · Girl name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#4US 2023

12.4kBirths / yr

→Stable

217.6kAll-time births

📅 Since 1880🏆 22 years in top 1000.79% of births at peak

How to pronounce Amelia

um·EE·lyuh

/əm.ˈiː.ljə/ · stress on EE · 3 syllables

“work”

Germanic origin · Girl name

What does Amelia mean and where does it come from?

Amelia is derived from the Germanic name 'Amal,' which means 'work' or 'effort.' The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 18th century. A famous bearer of the name is Amelia Earhart, the renowned aviator who was the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

Cultural significance

Amelia has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of work.

Peak popularity

Reached #6 in 2020 — currently #4 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Amelia?

Amelia works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Amelia Grace

How popular is Amelia right now?

Holding steady — currently #4 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#4 · Top 0.01%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#4	12,352	stable
2022	#4	12,409	stable · -5% births
2021	#4	13,032	▲ up 2 · +3% births
2020	#6	12,704	▲ up 6 · +29% births
2015	#12	9,861	▲ up 29 · +81% births
2010	#41	5,455	▲ up 43 · +40% births
2005	#84	3,907	▲ up 123 · +155% births
2000	#207	1,531	▲ up 30 · +27% births
1995	#237	1,206	▼ down 43 · -20% births
1990	#194	1,511	▲ up 55 · +49% births
1985	#249	1,014	▲ up 66 · +32% births
1980	#315	768	▲ up 72 · +47% births
1975	#387	524	▲ up 58 · +6% births
1970	#445	493	▼ down 14 · +4% births
1965	#431	475	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Amelia

Best Year2021Rank #4

Peak Count13,032

Average Rank#210

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Amelia

Amelia has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #6 in 2020, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. More than 217,635 babies have been named Amelia since 1880. Amelia shows a classic revival pattern — popular in the 1880s, declining mid-century, then surging back in recent decades. Amelia is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Amelia in 2020:

Olivia Emma Ava Charlotte Sophia

Amelia by decade

Amelia peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	2,957
1890s	3,725
1900s	3,664
1910s	8,832
1920s	8,817
1930s	5,999
1940s	5,336
1950s	5,189
1960s	4,828
1970s	5,325
1980s	9,767
1990s	13,557
2000s	33,298
2010s ★	93,631
2020s	12,710

What are good nicknames for Amelia?

ENGLISH

MillieMilly

FRENCH

Line

Famous people named Amelia

Amelia Earhart

First female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, aviation pioneer and feminist icon

Amelia Dyer

Historical Victorian-era figure whose story influenced true crime literature

Amelia Warner

British actress and composer known for her film scores and acting roles

Princess Amelia

Youngest daughter of King George III of England, namesake for generations of Amelias

Amelia (Roald Dahl)

Character representing cleverness and independence in British children's literature

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

Explore →

What names sound and feel like Amelia?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Amelia also consider these

Amellia

Latin · derived from 'Aemilius',

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Amylia

American · Greek

How is Amelia written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Amelia

What does the name Amelia mean?

Amelia 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 Amelia?

Amelia is currently ranked #4 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Amelia?

Amelia 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 Amelia?

Amelia is a three-syllable name pronounced AH0 M IY1 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 Amelia?

Amelia 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.