Amalia, a beautiful and timeless name, is an Italian variant of Amelia. This connection immediately places it within a rich history of names associated with diligence, striving, and ambition. While often chosen for girls, understanding the full scope of Amalia requires delving into its origins, popularity, and the qualities it evokes.
The Meaning and Origins of Amalia
The root of Amalia can be traced back to the Germanic name Amal, meaning "work," "striving," or "industrious." This industrious quality has been associated with the name for centuries. It’s no wonder parents seeking a name that suggests a strong work ethic and a determined spirit are drawn to Amalia. The name carries a sense of purpose and drive.
Amalia: A Look at Popularity Trends
How has the popularity of Amalia fluctuated over the years? Examining historical data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides valuable insights.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 556 | 23 | 0.0065% |
| 1911 | 748 | 10 | 0.0027% |
| 1912 | 755 | 16 | 0.0032% |
| 1913 | 689 | 26 | 0.0046% |
| 1914 | 679 | 37 | 0.0053% |
| 1915 | 741 | 42 | 0.0046% |
| 1916 | 714 | 52 | 0.0054% |
| 1917 | 774 | 43 | 0.0043% |
| 1918 | 752 | 52 | 0.0048% |
| 1919 | 685 | 63 | 0.006% |
| 1920 | 752 | 54 | 0.0049% |
| 1921 | 778 | 53 | 0.0046% |
| 1922 | 760 | 55 | 0.0049% |
| 1923 | 668 | 80 | 0.0071% |
| 1924 | 644 | 92 | 0.0079% |
| 1925 | 767 | 56 | 0.005% |
| 1926 | 660 | 77 | 0.007% |
| 1927 | 664 | 77 | 0.007% |
| 1928 | 628 | 82 | 0.0077% |
| 1929 | 669 | 69 | 0.0067% |
| 1930 | 660 | 70 | 0.0067% |
| 1931 | 670 | 58 | 0.0059% |
| 1932 | 746 | 46 | 0.0047% |
| 1933 | 727 | 43 | 0.0046% |
| 1934 | 833 | 31 | 0.0032% |
| 1935 | 920 | 24 | 0.0025% |
| 1936 | 804 | 35 | 0.0036% |
| 1937 | 921 | 25 | 0.0025% |
| 1938 | 980 | 21 | 0.0021% |
| 1939 | 896 | 26 | 0.0026% |
| 1940 | 861 | 33 | 0.0031% |
| 1941 | 902 | 32 | 0.0028% |
| 1942 | 1071 | 22 | 0.0017% |
| 1943 | 881 | 39 | 0.003% |
| 1944 | 897 | 34 | 0.0027% |
| 1945 | 913 | 33 | 0.0027% |
| 1946 | 1012 | 32 | 0.0022% |
| 1947 | 973 | 43 | 0.0026% |
| 1948 | 922 | 47 | 0.0029% |
| 1949 | 959 | 44 | 0.0027% |
| 1950 | 987 | 44 | 0.0027% |
| 1951 | 1038 | 39 | 0.0023% |
| 1952 | 927 | 56 | 0.0032% |
| 1953 | 983 | 50 | 0.0028% |
| 1954 | 1074 | 41 | 0.0022% |
| 1955 | 1059 | 46 | 0.0025% |
| 1956 | 1011 | 58 | 0.0031% |
| 1957 | 989 | 65 | 0.0034% |
| 1958 | 1097 | 48 | 0.0025% |
| 1959 | 1166 | 41 | 0.0022% |
| 1960 | 1178 | 42 | 0.0022% |
| 1961 | 1069 | 60 | 0.0032% |
| 1962 | 1034 | 63 | 0.0034% |
| 1963 | 1071 | 55 | 0.0031% |
| 1964 | 1026 | 62 | 0.0035% |
| 1965 | 1048 | 53 | 0.0032% |
| 1966 | 1084 | 49 | 0.0031% |
| 1967 | 1052 | 51 | 0.0034% |
| 1968 | 1132 | 46 | 0.0031% |
| 1969 | 1246 | 39 | 0.0025% |
| 1970 | 1188 | 50 | 0.0031% |
| 1971 | 1125 | 55 | 0.0037% |
| 1972 | 1155 | 48 | 0.0035% |
| 1973 | 978 | 72 | 0.0056% |
| 1974 | 1041 | 66 | 0.0051% |
| 1975 | 1082 | 61 | 0.0047% |
| 1976 | 1084 | 62 | 0.0048% |
| 1977 | 1124 | 64 | 0.0047% |
| 1978 | 1045 | 79 | 0.0059% |
| 1979 | 1216 | 59 | 0.0042% |
| 1980 | 1145 | 70 | 0.0048% |
| 1981 | 1038 | 87 | 0.0059% |
| 1982 | 1162 | 67 | 0.0045% |
| 1983 | 1364 | 42 | 0.0028% |
| 1984 | 1085 | 78 | 0.0052% |
| 1985 | 1055 | 88 | 0.0058% |
| 1986 | 1157 | 74 | 0.0049% |
| 1987 | 1244 | 63 | 0.0041% |
| 1988 | 1324 | 58 | 0.0037% |
| 1989 | 1246 | 76 | 0.0047% |
| 1990 | 1130 | 105 | 0.0063% |
| 1991 | 1181 | 98 | 0.006% |
| 1992 | 1224 | 95 | 0.006% |
| 1993 | 1263 | 86 | 0.0055% |
| 1994 | 1196 | 96 | 0.0063% |
| 1995 | 1159 | 100 | 0.0066% |
| 1996 | 1243 | 89 | 0.0059% |
| 1997 | 1172 | 104 | 0.007% |
| 1998 | 1397 | 72 | 0.0048% |
| 1999 | 1322 | 85 | 0.0057% |
| 2000 | 1303 | 93 | 0.0061% |
| 2001 | 1278 | 98 | 0.0065% |
| 2002 | 1162 | 122 | 0.0081% |
| 2003 | 1105 | 143 | 0.0094% |
| 2004 | 1167 | 136 | 0.0089% |
| 2005 | 1186 | 137 | 0.009% |
| 2006 | 1051 | 187 | 0.0119% |
| 2007 | 1127 | 167 | 0.0106% |
| 2008 | 1052 | 189 | 0.0122% |
| 2009 | 1022 | 195 | 0.013% |
| 2010 | 1033 | 180 | 0.0125% |
| 2011 | 932 | 217 | 0.0152% |
| 2012 | 1007 | 188 | 0.0132% |
| 2013 | 885 | 226 | 0.0159% |
| 2014 | 863 | 251 | 0.0172% |
| 2015 | 776 | 295 | 0.0203% |
| 2016 | 734 | 321 | 0.0223% |
| 2017 | 580 | 453 | 0.0325% |
| 2018 | 563 | 472 | 0.0344% |
| 2019 | 574 | 453 | 0.0335% |
| 2020 | 571 | 459 | 0.0361% |
| 2021 | 598 | 424 | 0.0347% |
| 2022 | 582 | 474 | 0.0359% |
| 2023 | 529 | 536 | 0.0414% |
The data reveals a fascinating trend. While Amalia experienced periods of relative obscurity in the mid-20th century, its popularity has steadily increased since the late 1990s. In 2023, it ranked at 529, with 536 births, representing 0.0414% of all female births. This signifies a considerable resurgence, indicating that Amalia is resonating with modern parents.
Names That Echo Amalia
Choosing a name is a deeply personal process. If Amalia appeals to you, exploring similar-sounding and related names can be a fruitful exercise.
Names that sound like Amalia:
- Amala: An Arabic name meaning "hope."
- Amalea: A Latin name suggesting industriousness and striving.
- Amalie: Another Latin variant sharing the meaning of "industrious."
- Amaliya: A Latin name related to "work" and "striving."
- Amalya: Similar to Amaliya, with the same Latin roots.
- Amilia: A Latin name meaning "amiable."
- Emalia: Latin, meaning "Rival; laborious; eager"
Names with a similar feel to Amalia:
- Adalia: A Hebrew name meaning "God is my refuge" or "noble one."
- Amadia: A Latin name meaning "lovable."
- Amalida: A German name meaning "hardworking woman."
- Amalija: Industrious, striving; work
- Amalina: Industrious, striving; work
- Amalita: Industrious, striving; work
- Atalia: The Lord is exalted
- Azalia: Reserved by God
Sibling Names: Expanding the Family
What names pair well with Amalia? Data suggests that parents who choose Amalia also often select the following names for their other children:
- James: An English name meaning "supplanter."
- Marcus: A Latin name meaning "dedicated to Mars."
These sibling name choices suggest a preference for classic and strong names with historical roots.
The Enduring Appeal of Amalia
Amalia is more than just a name; it’s a statement. It embodies a spirit of diligence, ambition, and a connection to a rich linguistic history. Its rising popularity suggests that these qualities continue to resonate with parents seeking a name that is both beautiful and meaningful. Whether you are drawn to its Italian charm or its Germanic strength, Amalia is a name worthy of consideration.