Pamela is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word "pamellus," which means "small pastry or bread roll." The name was first used in English literature during the late 16th century and gained popularity throughout Europe during the following centuries.
The name Pamela has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. One of the most famous is Pamela Anderson, a Canadian-American actress and model who rose to prominence during the 1990s as a result of her role in the television series "Baywatch." Additionally, Pamela Reed is an American actress known for her roles in films such as "The Shawshank Redemption" and "Jerry Maguire."
In literature, the name Pamela is also prominent. Samuel Richardson's novel "Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded," published in 1740, features a protagonist named Pamela. The novel follows Pamela's struggle to maintain her virtue while serving as a maid in the household of Mr. B., who attempts to seduce her.
Overall, Pamela is a unique and historical name with a Latin origin that has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. Despite its relatively uncommon usage today, the name Pamela remains an elegant and distinctive choice for parents seeking a memorable moniker for their daughter.
The name Pamela has had a fascinating journey through the years in terms of its popularity and usage in the United States. Starting with just 5 births recorded in 1895, it experienced fluctuations in its usage over the following decades.
From the early 1900s to the 1930s, the number of girls named Pamela at birth remained relatively low, ranging from 5 to 264 births per year. However, starting in the mid-1930s, there was a significant increase in its popularity. In 1934, 147 babies were named Pamela, and this number continued to rise steadily over the next decade.
The peak of Pamela's popularity occurred during the post-World War II baby boom era. Between 1946 and 1952, the number of newborn girls named Pamela skyrocketed from 9,367 in 1946 to a staggering 25,757 in 1953. This was the name's golden age in the United States, with tens of thousands of Pamelas being born each year during this period.
However, like many other names that experienced similar popularity peaks, Pamela began a slow decline in usage after the mid-1950s. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, the number of newborn girls named Pamela had dropped significantly, falling below 10,000 births per year.
The decline continued throughout the remainder of the twentieth century, with fewer than 2,000 Pamelas being born each year by the late 1980s. In recent years, the name's popularity has continued to decrease, with only 95 Pamela births recorded in 2022 and 101 in 2023.
Despite its decline in usage, it is essential to note that the name Pamela still holds historical significance due to its prominent role during the mid-twentieth century baby boom era. Throughout history, a total of 594,895 babies have been named Pamela in the United States.