Amelia

Industrious, striving — a girl name of German origin

GenderGirl
OriginGerman
MeaningIndustrious, striving
Pronunciationuh-MEEL-yuh

Popularity of Amelia in the United States

#4Rank in 2025
12,699Births in 2025
#3 in 2024Peak Popularity
↑ Rising10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Amelia

Amelia derives from the Germanic element "amal" meaning "work" or "industrious." It is distinct from the Latin name Emilia, though the two are often confused. The name gained popularity in 18th-century England when the German Hanoverian monarchs brought it to the British court. Princess Amelia, daughter of King George II, helped establish it as a fashionable name. In recent decades, Amelia has surged to the top of baby name charts across the English-speaking world, thanks in part to its elegant sound and its association with Amelia Earhart, the pioneering aviator.

Amelia Around the World

Amelia is used in 6 languages worldwide, with 11+ international variants.

Languages
ItalianPolishSpanishEnglishPortugueseDutch
Details

TypeFemale given name

International Variants
AmaliaItalian
Amélie
AmelieGerman
Amália
AmalieGerman
Malka
Emalia
AmelíaIcelandic
EmiliyaRussian
Amàlia
AmèliaCatalan

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Amelia

AmyMiaMilaLiaMelMillie

Famous People Named Amelia

  • Amelia Earhart — first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic
  • Amelia Bloomer — American women's rights activist
  • Amelia Warner — English actress and composer

Similar Names to Amelia

If you like Amelia, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.

Also consider:Cordelia

Sibling Name Ideas for Amelia

Looking for names that pair well with Amelia? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Amelia mean?

Amelia is a girl name of German origin meaning "Industrious, striving." Amelia derives from the Germanic element "amal" meaning "work" or "industrious." It is distinct from the Latin name Emilia, though the two are often confused.

How do you pronounce Amelia?

Amelia is pronounced uh-MEEL-yuh. Common variations include Amelie, Amalia, Emelia.

Is Amelia a girl name?

Yes, Amelia is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Amy, Mia, Mila, Lia, Mel, Millie.

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