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Origin and meaning of the name Amala

What is the origin of the name Amala?

The name Amala is of Sanskrit origin and means "immortal" or "eternal" in the ancient language of India. In Hinduism, Amala is considered a virtue name, symbolizing purity. It's also associated with the goddess Durga, who represents power, strength, and morality. The name has been used across various cultures over time, including in Indian, Indonesian, and African cultures, among others.

Learn more about the origin of the name Amala

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Amala

The name Amala is of Sanskrit origin, stemming from ancient India. In Sanskrit, 'Amala' translates to 'immaculate', 'pure', or 'spotless'. It is often used as an honorific title for the goddess Parvati in Hinduism due to her pure and virtuous nature. Over time, this name has been adopted and embraced by various cultures beyond India, reflecting its universally appealing qualities of purity, innocence, and perfection. As a given name, Amala is widely used among South Asian communities, particularly in countries like India and Nepal, but also in diverse communities worldwide, where it represents a desire for purity, spirituality, and a connection to the richness of India's cultural heritage.

Character traits associated with the name Amala

The name Amala is often associated with individuals who embody intelligence, creativity, and a strong sense of determination. Born leaders with a keen intellect, Amalas are known for their ability to grasp complex concepts quickly and apply them effectively in various situations. They possess an innate curiosity and thirst for knowledge, making them natural learners and problem solvers.

Amalas are also characterized by their artistic nature, which can manifest in various ways – from literature and visual arts to music and dance. Their creative flair, coupled with their strong willpower, allows them to bring innovative ideas to life and make significant contributions in their respective fields.

In addition, Amalas are known for their empathetic and compassionate nature. They have a deep understanding of human emotions and are often drawn to careers that involve helping others. Their desire to uplift and inspire those around them, combined with their natural leadership abilities, makes them exceptional mentors and role models.

Overall, Amalas are intelligent, creative, determined, empathetic, and compassionate individuals who use their unique blend of qualities to make a positive impact on the world.

Popularity of the name Amala

The given name Amala is of Sanskrit origin and holds significant cultural relevance, particularly in India and among Indian diaspora communities worldwide. While its usage may vary across regions, it has gained recognition and popularity beyond these communities. In the United States, according to data from the Social Security Administration, the name Amala saw a steady increase in usage between 1990 and 2015, peaking at rank 678 in terms of popularity for girls born in 2003. However, since then, its usage has slightly declined, with 3,016 baby girls being named Amala in the United States in 2020, according to the same source. Overall, Amala remains a name of interest for parents seeking unique and meaningful names for their children.

Famous people with the name Amala

Amala Ramanan is an Indian-American statistician known for her work in the field of data mining and machine learning. She is currently a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. Amala Paul, born in India, is an award-winning actress who works predominantly in the Tamil film industry, with notable roles in films such as "Mynaa" and "Aadai." Amala Akbar is a British actress of mixed Indian heritage, known for her roles in television shows like "Chewing Gum" and "The Witcher," and the movie "Journey's End." Amala Dianor is a Senegalese-French model, beauty queen, and Miss France 2018. Born as Aminata Savane, she represented France in the Miss Universe 2018 competition. These women excel in their respective fields of statistics, acting, modeling, and beauty pageants, demonstrating the versatility and success associated with the name Amala.

Variations of the name Amala

The name Amala holds several variants across various cultures and languages. In Sanskrit, Amala translates to "pure" or "spotless." This name is popular among Hindus and Indians, with regional variations such as Amolika, Amla, Amoli, and Amalya being common in India.

In Indonesian, Amala is a diminutive form of the name Amalia, which means "work" or "industriousness." This name has gained popularity worldwide, particularly in countries with strong Indonesian diasporas such as Malaysia, Singapore, and the Netherlands.

In African culture, the name Amala can be found among the Yoruba people of Nigeria. In this context, it is a unisex name that signifies grace and beauty, symbolizing a person who is admired for their charm. Other variations in this region include Amali and Amahla.

Lastly, in modern usage, Amala may serve as a shortened form of other names such as Amalithia (meaning "work of the gods" in Greek), Amaranta (a Spanish name meaning "immortal love"), or Amara (which translates to "eternally pleasant" or "graceful" in several languages). These variations emphasize qualities of strength, beauty, and divinity.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 15 June 2025

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