Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Amelia

Amelia is the Latinized form of the ancient Old High German female name Amalia, from the Germanic element “amal” meaning “to work” (Old Norse “ama” “to trouble”). People often confuse Amelia with Aemilius, an Old Roman family name of Latin origin (meaning “rival”), but this is incorrect. Aemilius gave us Emily, while Amelia had more “laborious” origins. Some say that the name was actually coined by the English author Henry Fielding for the title character in his 18th century novel, “Amelia,” but it appears that similar forms of the name were already in existence in the prior century (see literary references below). The name Amelia is quite popular throughout English-speaking countries right now. It’s actually the #1 baby girl’s name in England (2011). Amelia is ranked on the Top 10 lists in Australia, Scotland and Poland, and a Top 25 in Canada and the United States. The name also does quite well in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The French form of the name, Amélie, is also ranked in the Top 100 in England, Scotland and Australia, but ironically, it’s not ranked as high in France.

All About the Baby Name – Amelia

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME AMELIA

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change.  Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy.  This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive. 

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME AMELIA

For a name that’s been around as long as Amelia on the U.S. popularity charts, it’s surprising to see her first enter the Top 100 list so very recently in 2004. Old Amelia is following the same revival trend as other pretty, classical names loaded with antique-charm (Emma, Olivia, Chloe). The name has been rising on the charts since the turn of the 21st century, so clearly Amelia is on the American radar right now. The name brings a taste of erudite England over to this side of the pond, but it has also gained in usage within every other English-speaking country, particularly Australia. The French form, Amélie, is also on the U.S. list of girls’ names, but American parents are ten times more likely to bestow the English form on their daughters. Amelia is also quite flexible in terms of pet forms which probably add to the name’s attraction. Such diminutives of the name would include Amy, Lia, Mia, Minnie, Millie and Mel. So many choices! A delightful name with a good little work-ethic.

Quick Facts

ON AMELIA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

4

RANKING POPULARITY:

17

PRONUNCIATION:

ə-MEEL-ee-ə

SIMPLE MEANING:

To work, industrious, laborious

Characteristics

OF AMELIA

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Amelia

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME AMELIA

Amelia Booth is Is the virtuous title heroine of Henry Fielding’s "Amelia," published in 1751, the fourth and final of Fielding’s novels at the dawn of this literary form. Lacking the ribald humor of Tom Jones or the satiric wit of Shamela, this novel is more a commentary on the social mores of the day set against a domestic background. Surely Amelia must be one of the most put-upon characters in English literature. Married against her mother’s wishes to the handsome but imprudent Captain Booth, Amelia endures the consequences of his gambling, infidelity and imprisonment. For this last, she must put up her fortune to free him and guide him toward a quiet and happy retirement in the countryside. The Academy Award for Long-Suffering Wife she should get.

Amelia Sedley is the heroine of William Makepeace Thackeray’s "Vanity Fair" (although it is the more memorable Becky Sharp who immediately comes to mind). Published in 1847/8, this is a sweeping satirical novel set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars. Amelia herself is kind and good hearted, if somewhat vapid, and fixes upon the shallow, opportunistic George Osbourne as her love, while she is loved, in vain, by the good William Dobbin. Amelia’s family loses their fortune through mismanagement, and the couple is married against the wishes of his father, who disinherits George. George dies in battle, Amelia bears his son and lives in genteel poverty until she finally succumbs to the proposal of the ever-faithful, if somewhat weary-of-the-game Dobbin. All this while Becky Sharp flirts, fancies, and funs away the days, and really doesn’t pay much of a price for it all.

Amelia Bones is an accomplished witch and a fair judge in the popular series by J. K. Rowling. in her role as Head of the Department of Magical Law, she presides over Harry Potter’s disciplinary hearing and is instrumental in his being cleared of all charges. She is described as “one of the greatest witches” of all time. A serious person, most of whose family members have been killed by various enemies, she herself comes to her end at the hands of the evil Lord Valdemort, but not, it is said, without putting up a heroic fight for her life.

Born Amelia, Mia Thermopolis or Princess Mia (Princess of Genovia) is the main character in Meg Cabot’s notable series of novels “The Princess Diaries” first published in 2000. Offbeat Mia will automatically win the heart of every teenage girl who's ever just wanted to fit in with as little fuss as possible. Meg Cabot's writing is silly and entertaining; with tons of pop culture references that will make teens feel right at home within her pages. This is a wonderfully wacky read about an endearing female character coming-of-age.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME AMELIA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Amelia


Popular Songs

ON AMELIA

O Inferno! Amelia qui!
opera piece by Giuseppe Verdi

Young Amelia
a song by Hans York

Amelia
is a spanish song by Carlos Ponce

Famous People

NAMED AMELIA

Amelia Earhart (aviator)
Minnie Driver (born Amelia Fiona Driver, actress)

Children of Famous People

NAMED AMELIA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Amelia

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME AMELIA

Amelia Earhart is a true inspiration to women. She was a celebrated pioneer of American aviation, and the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean (for which she won the U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross). A true feminist, Amelia was also an early supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, and she helped form the International Organization of Female Pilots, known as The Ninety Nines. During her attempt at circumnavigating the globe by plane, Earhart mysteriously disappeared on July 2, 1937 over the vast central Pacific Ocean near Howland Island. Not surprisingly, a fascination with Amelia Earhart continues to this day. She moved the minds and the hearts of the American public.