Pamela is a female given name of Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "pamellus" which means "all". The name has a long history and has been popular among many cultures throughout time.
The earliest recorded use of the name Pamela was in the 17th century. It gained popularity through the novel "Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded" written by Samuel Richardson in 1740. This story about a young woman named Pamela who remained virtuous despite the advances of her employer is credited with popularizing the name.
In some cases, Pamela has been associated with various nicknames such as Pammy, Pam, or even Pamella. However, regardless of the variation used, the meaning remains the same: "all".
Despite its Latin roots, Pamela has been embraced by many cultures around the world and is often used as a given name in countries such as England, Australia, Canada, and the United States. It's also popular in Scandinavian countries like Sweden.
Today, Pamela continues to be a beloved name among parents who appreciate its classic elegance and strong meaning. It's a timeless choice that has stood the test of time and remains relevant even centuries after it was first used.
The name Pamela has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 795 babies being named Pamela between 1941 and 1985.
In its earliest years on record, Pamela appeared to be quite popular, with at least five births each year from 1941 to 1946. The name seemed to peak in popularity during the late 1940s and early 1950s, with a high of 39 births recorded in 1953.
However, after this period, the number of babies named Pamela began to decline significantly. Between 1955 and 1967, the name remained relatively popular, with an average of around 25 births per year. But starting from 1968, the popularity of Pamela started to wane notably.
In the following two decades (1968-1985), the number of babies named Pamela was quite low, with an average of approximately 7 births per year. The lowest points were reached in 1976 and 1977, with only six births each year, and again in 1980 and 1982, with just five births recorded each time.
Despite these fluctuations in popularity over the years, Pamela remains a name with historical significance in the United States.