Last Name Pamela

Learn more about the origin of the last name Pamela

The meaning and origin of the last name Pamela

The surname Pamela is primarily recognized as a female given name but can also function as a surname in some contexts. It has origins rooted in Old Hebrew and Greek, with the name deriving from the elements 'pam' (all) and 'el' (God), translating to "all people of God" or "godly for all." However, it's also believed to have roots in Aramaic, where 'pama' means "honey" and 'ilah' means "goddess," resulting in "honey of the goddess." As a surname, Pamela emerged from its use as a given name, with variations like Pamela, Pamilia, and Pamelio found across different countries. In the English-speaking world, it gained popularity during the Middle Ages and has since been passed down through generations as both a personal name and a family name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Pamela

The surname Pamela is predominantly observed in countries that use English as their primary language, indicating its origin from the female given name of the same name. This surname is most frequently found in regions such as the United States, Canada, and England. In the U.S., Pamela ranks among the top 1,000 most common surnames according to the United States Social Security Administration. Additionally, it holds a significant presence in other English-speaking countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. Outside of these regions, its occurrence tends to be relatively less common but can still be found in certain parts of Europe, particularly in Spain, Portugal, and France, where Pamela is primarily used as a given name rather than a surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Pamela

The surname Pamela can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common versions include:

1. Pamela: This is the most common form, originating from the medieval Latin name "Paolamia" which was derived from the male name Paul.
2. Pamele: A less common variation of the surname, which results from slight misspellings or errors in transcription over time.
3. Pamelae: Another variant that is not as prevalent but still occurs occasionally. It may be found due to differences in spelling conventions or transcription errors.
4. Paamela: This variation results from slight phonetic changes, such as replacing the 'p' with a 'p' and adding an extra 'a'.
5. Pamelah: A less common form of the surname, where the final 'e' is added for stylistic purposes or due to transcription errors.
6. Pamella: Another variation that replaces the 'a' in 'Pamela' with an 'e', although it's less common than the base form.
7. Pammela: This spelling variation results from replacing the initial 'p' with a 'p' and changing the spacing to create a more stylistically appealing appearance.
8. Pamelos (or Pamelo): While not directly related to the surname Pamela, it is a variant of Paul in some Spanish-speaking cultures and can be found as a surname in its own right.

Famous people with the last name Pamela

Notable individuals with the surname Pamela include:

1. Pamela Anderson (1967-): A Canadian-American actress and model, best known for her role on the television series "Baywatch." She has also been an activist for various causes.
2. Pamela Desbarats (1945-1986): A Canadian actress who had a prolific career in film and television, notably appearing in the miniseries "The Thorn Birds" and the comedy series "SCTV."
3. Pamela Stephenson (1952-): A British comedian, writer, and psychotherapist. She is best known for her work with Monty Python member Billy Connolly and as a presenter of the BBC science documentary series "Horizon."
4. Pamela Franklin (1946-2013): An English actress who began her career in the 1950s. She gained recognition for roles in films such as "The Innocents," "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie," and "Bunny Lake is Missing."
5. Pamela Reed (1947-): An American actress known for her work in film and television, including roles in "An Officer and a Gentleman," "St. Elmo's Fire," and "Matlock."
6. Pamela Rabe (1960-): An Australian actress who has appeared in numerous stage, film, and television productions. She is best known for her role as Captain John Fletcher on the Australian television series "Wentworth."

Genealogical research on the last name Pamela

The surname Pamela is predominantly recognized as a female given name rather than a family name, originating from a medieval diminutive form of the female name Amelia. However, it can occasionally function as a rare last name, often due to its usage as a personal name in some cultures and time periods.

In England, Pamela is believed to have been used as a surname by the 1600s, with notable figures like Thomas Pamela (1653-1729), a British physician, contributing to its historical record. In Scotland, the surname Pamaile, a variation of Pamela, can be traced back to the early 14th century, suggesting a potential Scottish origin for some instances of this name as a last name.

As a female given name, Pamela gained significant popularity in the English-speaking world during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, due in part to Samuel Richardson's epistolary novel "Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded" published in 1740. The widespread use of Pamela as a given name has likely contributed to its occasional appearance as a surname in more recent times.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Pamela"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 28 July 2025