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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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Amelia Rose
Floral · soft ending
Amelia Mae
Sweet · timeless
Amelia Claire
French influence · crisp
Amelia Jane
Literary · strong
Amelia Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Amelia right now?
Holding steady — currently #4 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
Famous people named Amelia
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Amelia Earhart
First female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, aviation pioneer and feminist icon
AD
Amelia Dyer
Historical Victorian-era figure whose story influenced true crime literature
AW
Amelia Warner
British actress and composer known for her film scores and acting roles
PA
Princess Amelia
Youngest daughter of King George III of England, namesake for generations of Amelias
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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 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Amelia?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Amelia also consider these
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.