Find out how popular the first name Amarylis has been for the last 38 years (from 1987 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Amarylis by gender

Based on the last 38 years of data, Amarylis is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Amarylis.

The history of the first name Amarylis

The name Amarylis is believed to have originated from the Greek word "amarantos," which means "unfading" or "everlasting." It is associated with the amaryllis flower, known for its striking beauty and longevity. The name is thought to have been derived from the name of a shepherdess in ancient Greek pastorals, although the exact origins remain uncertain.

During the Renaissance period, the name gained popularity in literature and poetry, often used as a symbolic representation of enduring love and beauty. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the works of the Italian poet Battista Guarini, who wrote the pastoral tragicomedy "Il Pastor Fido" in the late 16th century, featuring a character named Amarilli.

In the 17th century, the name Amarylis was used by the French poet and dramatist Philippe Quinault in his opera "Amadis," which premiered in 1684. The opera featured a character named Amarylis, further popularizing the name in literary circles.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Amarylis. One of the earliest examples is Amarylis of Eresos (c. 520 BC), an ancient Greek poet and philosopher from the island of Lesbos. She is considered one of the earliest known female writers in Western literature.

Another famous bearer of the name was Amarylis Clerke (1842-1931), an Irish astronomer and writer who made significant contributions to the study of variable stars and the classification of stellar spectra. She was elected as the first female member of the Royal Astronomical Society in 1892.

In the world of literature, Amarylis Nicholson (1865-1953) was a British author and poet known for her works exploring themes of spirituality and mysticism. Her poetry collection "The Wild Flower of Siena" was published in 1916.

Amarylis de Gavre (1890-1974) was a Belgian artist and sculptor who gained recognition for her avant-garde works in the early 20th century. She was a prominent figure in the Parisian art scene and exhibited her works alongside renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse.

In the realm of music, Amarylis Fleming (1912-1986) was an American soprano and opera singer. She performed with various opera companies, including the Metropolitan Opera, and was known for her interpretations of roles in works by composers like Richard Strauss and Benjamin Britten.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Amarylis was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Amarylis, please contact us.

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