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 Pamla reached its peak popularity during the late 1940s and early 1950s with a high of 39 births recorded in 1953. However, its usage significantly declined from the mid-1960s onwards, with only a handful of occurrences each year until it nearly vanished by the late 1970s and early 1980s.