Girls · #4 in 2025
Amelia: Meaning, Origin & Popularity
- Origin
- Germanic, through Amalia
- Meaning
- From amal; interpretations include vigorous or brave
- Pronunciation
- uh-MEE-lee-uh or uh-MEEL-yuh (English)
- Nickname options
- Millie, Mia, Amy
Origin and meaning
Amelia is a variant of Amalia, from the Germanic element amal. Meaning summaries vary; the element is often associated with vigor, bravery, or unceasing activity. Amelia and Emilia sound similar in English but have different origins and roots.
U.S. popularity
Amelia ranked #4 for girls in the United States in 2025, with 12,699 girls given this spelling. Its highest recorded U.S. rank was #3, reached in 2024. Historical coverage: 1880–2025. Peak refers to rank, not the largest number of births.
Source: Social Security Administration; historical peaks calculated from its national name files.
The Hello Baby Names take
Amelia feels romantic but still grounded. There is movement in the sound, some vintage sweetness, and room for a more casual nickname. Millie brings out the cozy side, while Mia makes it feel lighter and more streamlined. I like Amelia for parents who want a name that can be pretty and adventurous at the same time. It has the elaborate appearance of a long, elegant name; but spoken aloud it is still punchy.
Things to consider
Say Amelia and Emilia aloud in your own accent before deciding whether the distinction matters to you. They may sound extremely close even though their histories differ. It is also worth choosing the pronunciation you naturally use rather than forcing a particular syllable count.
If you love Amelia, consider…
- Amalia: A close relative that preserves much of Amelia's character while shifting the central vowel sound.
- Adelia: Keeps the flowing beginning and ending, but adds a more delicate, antique quality.
- Aurelia: Emphasizes the sweeping, romantic side of Amelia with a more elaborate run of vowels.
- Emmeline: Has similar vintage softness and a substantial full-name feeling, with a different ending.
- Camilla: A graceful option if the M and L sounds are what make Amelia appealing to you.
- Cecilia: Offers a similarly musical shape and a light, feminine finish, with a more lilting opening.
- Matilda: A sturdier alternative with the same capacity to feel both sweet and spirited.
- Amaryllis: The extravagant wildcard: a much more botanical, decorative choice for someone drawn to Amelia's longest, loveliest sounds.