Pamela

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Pamela

Gender Girl
Origin Greek
Letters 6
Syllables 3
Pronunciation Puh-MEH-luh

Pamela, which has 6 letters and 3 syllables, is a female name of Greek origin.

Meaning of Pamela

Honey

The name Pamela is of Greek origin and is believed to mean "all sweetness".

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Meaning Honey
Origin Greek
Gender Girl
Popularity (US) #962 in 2011 Rising
Rarity (US) Rare (Top 1000)
Era Classic 50s name

Background & History of The Name Pamela

Derived from the Greek name "Pamelē," the name Pamela has a rich history and holds various meanings. The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 16th century as a literary invention. Sir Philip Sidney, an English poet and soldier, first used the name in his epic prose romance titled "Arcadia," published in 1590. It is believed that Sidney created the name Pamela by joining the Greek words "pan," meaning "all," and "mēli," meaning "honey." As a result, the name Pamela can be interpreted as "all honey" or "sweet as honey."

Throughout history, numerous notable individuals have borne the name Pamela, contributing to its enduring appeal. One prominent figure is Pamela Anderson, a Canadian-American actress and model who rose to fame in the 1990s for her role in the television series "Baywatch." Anderson's popularity further heightened the visibility and recognition of the name Pamela worldwide.

The name Pamela has also served as a source of inspiration for various works of literature and art. In addition to Sir Philip Sidney's "Arcadia," another renowned literary work featuring the name is Samuel Richardson's novel "Pamela," published in 1740. This novel, considered one of the earliest examples of the epistolary genre, tells the story of a virtuous maid named Pamela Andrews, who resists the advances of her employer in a series of letters. Richardson's novel proved highly influential and helped solidify the name Pamela as a symbol of virtue and strength.

In contemporary society, the name Pamela continues to be embraced by many parents as a choice for their daughters. Its timeless elegance, association with notable figures in various fields, and deep-rooted literary significance have contributed to its enduring popularity and continued relevance.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Pamela over the years.

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