The namePamela
Pamela is a name invented by a poet. It was a top 10 American name in 1953.
- Girl's name
- English
Meaning
Pamela was coined by Sir Philip Sidney in the 16th century, perhaps from the Greek pan, "all", and meli, "honey".
Origin
English, from Greek elements.
History
Samuel Richardson's novel Pamela, published in 1740, made it a real first name. In the United States it reached 10th place in 1953.
Famous people named Pamela
- Pamela Anderson, actress
- Pamela Adlon, actress
- Pamela Stephenson, comedian
Popularity of the name Pamela
Pamela in the United States
Pamela was most popular in the United States in the 1950s, with 237,772 births over the decade, 40% of all recorded babies named Pamela. Its rise began around 1943, and it peaked in 1954. Half of all babies named Pamela in the United States were born before 1959, so it is mostly a grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 104 births a year on average, against 157 in the five years before.
Pamela in Ireland
Pamela was most popular in Ireland in the 1980s, with 1,518 births over the decade, 47% of all recorded babies named Pamela. Half of all babies named Pamela in Ireland were born before 1980, so it is mostly a parents' generation name.
Pamela in France
Sibling names for Pamela
Names from the same generation as Pamela, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Pamela? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Pamela with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Pamela side by side with the name of your choice.
Pamela in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Pamela mean?
Pamela was coined by Sir Philip Sidney in the 16th century, perhaps from the Greek pan, "all", and meli, "honey".
What is the origin of the name Pamela?
English, from Greek elements.
Is Pamela a girl's or a boy's name?
Pamela is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Pamela?
In 2024, Pamela was the 2147th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 88 births.
What are good sibling names for Pamela?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Kathy, Wendy, Nancy and Lindsay for a sister, Gary, Steve, Rigoberto and Bobby for a brother.
Who are famous people named Pamela?
Pamela Anderson, actress; Pamela Adlon, actress; Pamela Stephenson, comedian.