Pamela

Pamela is a feminine given name that has been used in English-speaking countries since the 18th century. The name is widely considered to have been coined by the British writer Samuel Richardson for the heroine of his novel Pamela; its precise etymology is uncertain, and there is no consensus on its linguistic roots. Because of the novel's popularity, the name spread in the 18th and 19th centuries and became a familiar choice in many English-speaking communities.

Notable people named Pamela include actress Pamela Anderson, actress and voice artist Pamela Adlon, actress Pamela Reed, and psychologist and writer Pamela Stephenson. The name has also appeared in various cultural contexts through fictional characters, including Pamela as the heroine of Richardson's novel Pamela, Pamela Isley (the DC Comics character Poison Ivy), and Pamela Voorhees from the Friday the 13th franchise.

In modern times, Pamela has become less common as a newborn name in some countries, though it remains in use and is associated with several long-standing public figures. The name’s legacy is tied to its literary origins, which contributed to its adoption and recognition in English literature and popular culture.