Amelia

Amelia is a feminine given name used in many languages and cultures. It is commonly regarded as deriving from Amalia or Emilia, which in turn trace back to the Latin name Aemilia or to the Germanic amal meaning “work” or “industrious.” The modern form spread through medieval Europe and gained particular popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th and 20th centuries. Variants include Amalia, Amalie, Amélie, and Emilia, with Amélie widely used in French-speaking areas.

In contemporary usage, Amelia has remained a popular choice for girls in many countries, including the United States and parts of Europe. The name is often associated with a classic, timeless feel, and its short, flexible nicknames—Amy, Lia, Mel, Mia, and Mimi—help explain its broad appeal.

Notable people named Amelia include Amelia Earhart, the American aviation pioneer who disappeared in 1937 while attempting a circumnavigation of the globe; Amelia Bloomer, a 19th-century American reformer and advocate for women’s dress reform; Amelia Vega, a Dominican model who won Miss Universe in 2003; and actress Amelia Warner. In fiction, Amelia Bedelia is a well-known long-running character in a series of children’s books.

Geographically, Amelia appears in place names such as Amelia Island, a barrier island in Nassau County, Florida. The name has also influenced popular culture through works such as the French film Amélie (2001), which popularized the cognate form Amélie in many languages.