Amalia
/a.ˈma.lja/
Amalia is a Latinate form of the Old German name Amal, derived from the Gothic word amal meaning “work” or “labour.” The -ia Latinate suffix gives it a classical, European elegance that the purely Germanic form lacks.
The name was borne by several European royals, including Amalia of Oldenburg (1818-1875), Queen of Greece, and Princess Amalia of the Netherlands (2003-), the current heir to the Dutch throne, who has brought significant modern attention to the name.
Amalia ranked at just No. 486 in 1885 with 19 births. In 2024 it stands at No. 552 with 550 births — an extraordinary modern growth from its near-absent historical US presence.
What the name Amalia means
The name is common across Italy, Spain, Romania, and Germany. Its rise in US records reflects both the growing influence of European naming trends and the princess factor from the Netherlands.
Four syllables — ah-MAH-lee-ah — with stress on the second beat. The name has a flowing, musical quality with an elegant Latinate close that feels simultaneously old and modern.
Parents drawn to Amalia often want a European classic with royal associations that remains rare enough in the United States to stand apart from the more common Amelia.
Variants include Amelia (the most common similar name, from a different root), Emalia, and the German Amalie. Amalia is the Italian and Spanish standard form.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Amalia
Amalia - similar names
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