Amelia is a feminine given name. Its English form was likely influenced by the names Amalia, derived from the Germanic root amal, with meanings "vigorous, active, work", and Emilia, derived from the name of the Roman Aemilia gens. The name of the gens is likely derived from the Latin word aemulus, meaning rival. The name Amelia has been associated with both names, as well as with the name Emily, also derived from Emilia.[1]

Amelia
Amelia Earhart, legendary American aviator
Pronunciation/əˈmliə/ ə-MEE-lee-ə
GenderFemale
Language(s)English, German, Latin
Origin
MeaningGerman word amal meaning work and Latin aemulus, meaning rival
Other names
Nickname(s)Amy, Melly, Lili , Malia, Mila, Mel, Lia, Mia, Millie, Mimi, Emma, Minnie, Ellie
See alsoAmalia, Amelie, Amélie, Amy, Lia, Emma

Popularity

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The name has been popular in the Anglosphere and throughout Europe in the 21st century, as well as in other countries.[2] Its increase in popularity has been attributed to an elegant image and associations with American aviator Amelia Earhart, as well as a similarity in sound to previously popular names such as Amanda, Amy, and Emily, and to having the fashionable ia ending of other popular names Sophia and Olivia. All make the name seem "different but not too different."[3]

In 2022, in the United States, the name Amelia was given to 12,333 girls, making it the fourth most popular name.[4] It was also the fourth most popular name given to girls in Canada that year.[5]

Notable people

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Fictional characters

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ Hanks, Patrick; Hardcastle, Kate; Hodges, Flavia (2006). Oxford Dictionary of First Names. Oxford University Press. p. 13,90. ISBN 0-19-861060-2.
  2. ^ Campbell, Mike. "Popularity in England and Wales". behindthename.com. Behind the Name. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
  3. ^ Evans, Cleveland Kent (18 June 2023). "Cleveland Evans: Amelia sounds elegant and evokes a strong image". omaha.com. Omaha World Herald. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
  4. ^ "Popular Baby Girl Names in 2022". Baby Names. Retrieved 2024-04-11.
  5. ^ "Table 17-10-0147-01 First names at birth by sex at birth, selected indicators (Number)". Statistics Canada. Retrieved 2024-08-25.