What does Pamela mean and where does it come from?
The name Pamela was popularized in the 16th century by Sir Philip Sidney when he used it in his work 'Arcadia.' It derives from the Greek words 'pan' (all) and 'meli' (honey), ultimately meaning 'all sweetness.' The name has been consistently popular in English-speaking countries and has various not
Cultural significance
Pamela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.
Peak popularity
Reached #10 in 1953 — currently #2251 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Pamela?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Pamela?
Pamela works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Pamela Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Pamela Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Pamela Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Pamela Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Pamela Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Pamela Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Pamela right now?
Falling — down 82 spots — currently #2251 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2251 | 82 | ▼ down 82 · -7% births |
| 2024 | #2169 | 88 | ▼ down 386 · -79% births |
| 2023 | #1783 | 417 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #1788 | 397 | ▲ up 5 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #1793 | 367 | ▼ down 117 · +203% births |
| 2020 | #1676 | 121 | ▼ down 279 · -28% births |
| 2015 | #1397 | 167 | ▼ down 414 · -35% births |
| 2010 | #983 | 258 | ▼ down 365 · -44% births |
| 2005 | #618 | 457 | ▼ down 160 · -25% births |
| 2000 | #458 | 606 | ▼ down 74 · -12% births |
| 1995 | #384 | 687 | ▼ down 146 · -42% births |
| 1990 | #238 | 1,194 | ▼ down 122 · -52% births |
| 1985 | #116 | 2,468 | ▼ down 30 · -30% births |
| 1980 | #86 | 3,535 | ▼ down 16 · -15% births |
| 1975 | #70 | 4,178 | — |
The story of Pamela
Pamela has been a beloved American name for over 129 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1895. It peaked at #10 in 1953, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 596K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1801 in 1895 to #1783 in 2023. Pamela is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Pamela in 1953:
Pamela by decade
Pamela peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 11 | |
| 1900s | 16 | |
| 1910s | 150 | |
| 1920s | 627 | |
| 1930s | 1,874 | |
| 1940s | 73,295 | |
| 1950s ★ | 237,755 | |
| 1960s | 182,391 | |
| 1970s | 58,272 | |
| 1980s | 25,849 | |
| 1990s | 8,427 | |
| 2000s | 5,256 | |
| 2010s | 1,913 | |
| 2020s | 291 | |
What are good nicknames for Pamela?
What names sound and feel like Pamela?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Pamela also consider these
How is Pamela written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Pamela
What does the name Pamela mean?
Pamela means "Greek" — 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 Pamela?
Pamela is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Pamela?
Pamela 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 Pamela?
Pamela is a three-syllable name pronounced PAM-ul-uh. 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 Pamela?
Pamela 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.