Origin and Meaning of Pamela

All honeycomb; sweetness; a symbol of femininity

Origin: Greek - The name Pamela is thought to be coined by Sir Philip Sidney in his poem 'Astrophel and Stella' (1590). It combines the Greek words 'pan' (all) and 'meli' (honey).

• Pamela gained popularity in the 18th century and has been associated with notions of beauty and sweetness due to its meaning.
• The name enjoyed widespread use in English-speaking countries, especially in the 20th century, but has seen a decline in popularity in recent years.
• Notable bearers of the name include Pamela Anderson, the actress and model known for her role in 'Baywatch,' and Pamela Geller, an American political activist.
• In the 1940s and 1950s, Pamela peaked in popularity in the United States, making it one of the top 20 names for girls during that time.
• Variations of the name Pamela include Pam, Pammie, and the more unique Melina derived from its etymology.