Pamela

  • [ PAM-ə-lə ]
  • English
This name was invented in the late 16th century by the poet Sir Philip Sidney for use in his poem 'Arcadia'. He possibly intended it to mean "all sweetness" from Greek παν (pan) "all" and μελι (meli) "honey". It was later employed by author Samuel Richardson for the heroine in his novel 'Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded' (1740), after which time it became used as a given name. It did not become popular until the 20th century.

EQUIVALENTS
ENGLISH: Pamelia, Pamella, Pamila
DIMINUTIVES AND SHORT FORMS
ENGLISH: Pam
OTHER FORMS
ENGLISH: Permelia, Tamela