The name Camellia is derived from the camellia flower, which is native to eastern and southern Asia. The flower was first introduced to Europe in the early 17th century, and its botanical name "Camellia" honors the Jesuit botanist Georg Joseph Kamel, who is credited with bringing the flower to the attention of Europeans.

The use of Camellia as a given name likely originated in the late 18th or early 19th century, when botanical names became popular choices for baby names, particularly among the upper classes. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Camellia is found in the 1807 novel "Corinne, or Italy" by Madame de Staël, where a character named Camille is referred to as Camellia.

In the 19th century, the name gained popularity in England and other parts of Europe, as well as in the United States. One notable bearer of the name was Camellia Metcalf (1873-1957), an American silent film actress and screenwriter who appeared in several films in the early 20th century.

Another early bearer of the name was Camellia Panjabi (1882-1928), an Indian social reformer and women's rights activist who played a significant role in the women's movement in British India. She was one of the founders of the Bharat Stree Mahamandal, an organization dedicated to improving the status of women.

In the world of literature, Camellia appears as the name of a character in the novel "The Ambassadors" by Henry James, published in 1903. The character, described as a young American woman, plays a significant role in the novel's plot.

Another notable Camellia was Camellia Gere (1888-1972), a British actress and writer who appeared in several plays and films in the early 20th century. She also published several novels and autobiographical works.

While the name Camellia may not have been as widely used as some other floral names, it has a rich history and has been borne by several notable individuals throughout the centuries.