What does Pamala mean and where does it come from?
Pamala is a variant of the name Pamela, which was coined by Sir Philip Sidney in his 16th-century poem 'The Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia'. The name itself may derive from the Greek words 'pan' meaning 'all' and 'mela' which means 'honey' or 'sweetness'. The name gained popularity in the English-sp
Cultural significance
Pamala has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of honey.
Peak popularity
Reached #508 in 1954 — currently #1909 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Pamala?
Pamala works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Pamala Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Pamala Rose
Floral · soft ending
Pamala Mae
Sweet · timeless
Pamala Claire
French influence · crisp
Pamala Jane
Literary · strong
Pamala Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Pamala right now?
Holding steady — currently #1909 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1909 | 291 | ▲ up 5 · +7% births |
| 2022 | #1914 | 271 | ▲ up 5 · +12% births |
| 2021 | #1919 | 241 | ▲ up 13360 · +4720% births |
| 2000 | #15279 | 5 | ▼ down 8953 · -64% births |
| 1995 | #6326 | 14 | ▼ down 429 · -7% births |
| 1990 | #5897 | 15 | ▼ down 2353 · -37% births |
| 1985 | #3544 | 24 | ▼ down 1773 · -61% births |
| 1980 | #1771 | 62 | ▼ down 443 · -24% births |
| 1975 | #1328 | 82 | ▼ down 587 · -59% births |
| 1970 | #741 | 200 | ▼ down 48 · -1% births |
| 1965 | #693 | 202 | ▼ down 102 · -28% births |
| 1960 | #591 | 281 | ▼ down 20 · +10% births |
| 1955 | #571 | 256 | ▲ up 50 · +38% births |
| 1950 | #621 | 185 | ▲ up 177 · +106% births |
| 1945 | #798 | 90 | — |
The story of Pamala
Pamala entered American naming records in 1926 and has been in use for over 98 years. With 7,355 total births recorded, Pamala remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2724 in 1940 to #1909 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Pamala in 1954:
Pamala by decade
Pamala peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 5 | |
| 1930s | 24 | |
| 1940s | 984 | |
| 1950s ★ | 2,575 | |
| 1960s | 2,395 | |
| 1970s | 939 | |
| 1980s | 302 | |
| 1990s | 117 | |
| 2000s | 14 | |
💎With 7,355 total births, Pamala is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Pamala?
What names sound and feel like Pamala?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Pamala also consider these
Common questions about the name Pamala
What does the name Pamala mean?
Pamala means "honey" — a name rooted in English 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 Pamala?
Pamala is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Pamala?
Pamala originates from English tradition. English 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 Pamala?
Pamala is a three-syllable name pronounced P AE1 M AE1 L 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 Pamala?
Pamala pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.