The name Camelia is derived from the Latin word "camellia," which is the name of a flower genus from the Theaceae family. The camellia flower is native to eastern and southern Asia, particularly in countries like China, Japan, and Korea. It is believed that the name Camelia first emerged in these regions during the ancient and medieval periods.

Camelia was likely inspired by the beauty and elegance of the camellia flower, which has been revered in Asian cultures for centuries. In Japan, the camellia is considered a symbol of divine blessing, and it has been associated with the imperial family and nobility. Similarly, in China, the camellia has been celebrated in art, literature, and poetry for its delicate petals and captivating scent.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Camelia can be traced back to the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly in Europe, where it gained popularity after the introduction of the camellia flower from Asia. One of the earliest known figures with the name Camelia was Camelia Beaumont (1602-1670), a French noblewoman and courtier during the reign of King Louis XIII.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Camelia. In the 19th century, Camelia Santi (1838-1908) was an Italian opera singer renowned for her performances in works by composers such as Verdi and Puccini. Another notable figure was Camelia Ravnitzky (1888-1964), a Ukrainian-born American artist and sculptor known for her bronze and marble works.

In the 20th century, Camelia Gheorghiu (1919-2010) was a Romanian gymnast and Olympic medalist, winning gold in the team competition at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Additionally, Camelia Somers (1923-2015) was a British actress and playwright who appeared in numerous television shows and films throughout her career.

One of the most recent historical figures with the name Camelia was Camelia Shehata (1954-2021), an Egyptian writer and journalist who was a prominent voice in the fight for women's rights and social justice in the Arab world.

The name Camelia has continued to be used across various cultures and regions, often serving as a symbol of grace, beauty, and elegance, much like the flower from which it derives its origin.