What does Pemela mean and where does it come from?
Pemela is a less commonly used variant of Pamela, which is a name invented by Sir Philip Sidney in the late 16th century and popularized by the character Pamela in his 'Arcadia.' The name Pamela is thought to be derived from the Greek words for 'all' (pan) and 'honey' (mel) meaning 'all sweetness.'
Cultural significance
Pemela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a beloved name with deep roots.
Peak popularity
Reached #7551 in 1966 — currently #751 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Pemela?
Pemela works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Pemela Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Pemela Rose
Floral · soft ending
Pemela Mae
Sweet · timeless
Pemela Claire
French influence · crisp
Pemela Jane
Literary · strong
Pemela Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Pemela right now?
Holding steady — currently #751 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #751 | 1,449 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #756 | 1,429 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #761 | 1,399 | — |
The story of Pemela
Pemela is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1966. With 5 total births recorded, Pemela remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #761 in 2021 to #751 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Pemela in 1966:
💎Pemela has only 5 total recorded births since 1966 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Pemela?
What names sound and feel like Pemela?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Pemela also consider these
Common questions about the name Pemela
What does the name Pemela mean?
Pemela means "A beloved name with deep roots" — a name rooted in American 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 Pemela?
Pemela is currently ranked #751 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 Pemela?
Pemela originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Pemela?
Pemela pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
What are good nicknames for Pemela?
Pemela naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.