Pamela is a feminine given name of Latin origin, derived from the name "Pamphilus," which means "all-loving" or "loved by all." The name Pamphilus was used in ancient Roman literature as an archetype of perfect love, and it is believed that Pamela was introduced into English-speaking countries through Alexander Pope's 1740 novel, "Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded."
The protagonist of this novel was named Pamela, and the story gained immense popularity, leading to the increased usage of the name. Over time, Pamela has evolved from being considered a virtue name to being simply a popular given name for girls.
In terms of history, there are not many notable individuals with the name Pamela, perhaps due to its relative modernity compared to other traditional names like Mary or Elizabeth. However, one famous bearer of the name is American actress and model Pamela Anderson, best known for her role in the television series "Baywatch." She was born as Pamela Denise Anderson on July 1, 1967.
Overall, Pamala/Pamela is a charming and somewhat uncommon feminine given name with Latin roots that has gained popularity thanks to its literary origins. Its meaning, "all-loving" or "loved by all," makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a name that conveys positivity and affection.
"Pamala's popularity peaked post-WWII, with a high of 259 births in 1953, but has since declined significantly to an average of less than 10 births per year since the mid-80s."