Pamela

Pamela was a British favourite from the 1930s to the 1950s, ranking #20, #17, and #24 in the most popular girls' names. Its popularity extended across the Anglosphere, remaining in the US top 100 from 1943-1976 and top 1,000 until 2011. Created by an Englishman and connected to American Baywatch's Pamela Anderson, Pamela is a solid Anglo name with an enduring charm. And who knows? Maybe it'll make a comeback in the future...

Don't like this name! That name is associated with the serial killer from slasher movie franchise "Friday the 13th".

I’ve always thought that this was a pretty name; the popularity drop really surprises me. That’s fine by me, because that means I have more to love; individuality isn’t a bad thing! Pamela is overall one of my favorite girl names, reminding me of an elegant field of lavender. The nickname Pam is also cool, and I’d be fine with Pammy as a full name (it makes an even better nickname, though). The name Pamela is a true gem of a name, and I totally recommend it.

This name screams Mature Adult. I love it because it's Poison Ivy's Real Name.

When I was younger I did not like my name Pamela too much, but now I see it as a beautiful, elegant and mystical name, specially since (apparently) it comes from Greek roots, which made me like my name even more, because now I see it as it was the name of some Greek goddess, it really fits to some mythological character, I can imagine a soft lady with a bright dress made of stars... I don't know, I love my name so so so much now. Phonetically it also sounds beautiful to my ears, very mysterious and serene at the same time... and I also love the original variant Panmeli, sounds very sweet to me. Now I wanna a tattoo on my wrist with πᾶvμέλ (panmeli). Everyone has different tastes and stuff, but as for me, being 25 years old, I feel lucky to be named Pamela. ♡.

I like this name for some reason even though it's quite dated.

I used to think this was like a dated mom name, but the song "O Pamela" by the Wake is so beautiful that it actually made me change my mind about the name! Now I find it very sweet. It's funny how music can do that.

TOO dated!

Hello, for everybody's information my name is Pamela. It is my given name. I was reading some of the hateful comments on here people made about the name. Pamela is a pretty name. Look at all the weird odd names people are giving their children today. It is names I would not give my children if I had any. Don't go knocking the name Pamela. People call me Pam for short. I absolutely hate it. I ought to start making people call me Pamela. Pam is dull and to me it is just too convenient for people. It is short and I don't like it. Again Pamela is a beautiful name. To all that have this name embrace it and overlook the haters. I would rather be called a Pamela than some of these other odd names people are coming up with today.

It's such a very sweet name.

Sounds dated to me. Should be left in the 70s along with Jennifer and Tracy.

Pamela is a name that I still remember the first person/girl who had the name. I thought it was a odd name but I admit it—it certainly is memorable.

---

It’s one of those names you associate with the person who carries it more so than just by the sound of the name yet for that same reason has a lot of character. I actually hope that the name is used for a superhero character, if not already—how unexpected and cool. Pamela also reminds me of Pam Beesly on The Office.

---

My name is Samantha so me and a Pamela might share similar nicknames. Call me Samela! And I’ll call you Pamantha lol.

Too 80s for me.

Cute, although I dislike the nickname Pam.

I've always had very mixed feelings about this name! On one hand, here in Poland it has an extremely pretentious feel, being one of the new wave of seasonal names imported from the US in the 90's which suddenly became trendy and then fell in popularity a lot. I don't know a single person in real life who would feel positively about this name. A lot of people associate it with Pamela Anderson and thus say that it's "kitschy" or with the word pomelo. And I absolutely do agree that it is pretentious and would never ever use it unless in a short story or something. Then in the English-speaking world, or at least in the US, it is considered dated in turn, and I do feel it in an Anglophone setting that it doesn't feel particularly fresh, especially that the only (American) Pamela I know is an older lady.
But on the other hand, I really like the sound of this name. I really like the sweet meaning and the literary connections. These are all really nice upsides to it. Mel or Mellie could be a nice nickname, but I really dislike Pam, it feels very dry and makes this name feel a lot harsher and older, plus pam means why in Welsh, and I'm learning this language so it just sounds odd to me personally. Pammy in turn is too childish. I really like how the variants Pamella and Pamelia look.

Name is alright, just somehow feels too cold, little bit dry, too serious. Not good and not bad, just alright, but not of my favorites.

I think it's alright, being my name. I was born in 1984 and I believe it was in the top 150. It's okay. Pretty sweet, I suppose.

Pamela is a cute name. I can imagine one of any age, and I love the meaning!

Pamela is a very sweet name.

Pamela May '61. Pam for short, once read Pams were more down to earth than the Pamelas. Never liked Pammy, but now okay as a term of endearment from a good friend. Friends also used the nickname Pamma ramma ding dong.
Now NannyPam.

I prefer it pronounced Pam-ELLA.

Pretty, and Pam is a cute nickname.

Beautiful.

My name is Pamela, born in 1965. As with many Pamelas, I go by Pam. I too was called Pamela when I was in trouble. What’s up with that? My middle name is Dee. So, aunts, uncles and cousins called me PamiDee which I hated when I was a child. But, now I think it’s pretty cool to have that nickname.

My name is Pamela. I have always hated my name. I am embarrassed every time I have to say it. It seems abnormal. Now I am a grandmother and there is no "grandma" name that goes well with Pam. When I say my name is Pam over the phone people think I am saying Sam or Tami. It's a horrid name. Even my father couldn't pronounce my name. He called me Pamla.

I like this name. One of my dearest friends is named Pamela. Only her jerk of an older brother called/calls her Pam-Spam and Pamela-Spamela. I've always been convinced that he has the IQ of a toad and the social graces of a worm and since he's been divorced 3 times and has 6 children by 4 women I'm sure I've been right in my assessment. No one else ever made fun of her name or teased her. So I wouldn't put much stock in worrying about a girl being teased with this name. Pamela is the best friend and human being I've ever known.

Wow! A lot of comments. And of opposite opinions: "I like it, I hate it"
It was my birth name and I hated it and changed it when 16.
Hated Pam, Pammy. Pam cooking spray. Batman comic said "pam!" when hitting someone.
Snotty rich girls had this name.

---

I've since seen variations which I like: Amela, amelina, melina.

---

Love seeing how this name is not popular since the 50s.

I hate my name. Everyone else either thinks of a drug addicted weirdo or some old lady. And Pam rhymes with spam and ham. I don’t care if you think it’s pretty, it doesn’t feel pretty.

As a young person with the name of Pamela, I don't really hate it, but I don't like it either. I don't like it because it sounds too serious/ harsh and when someone says my name I have the impression that I'm gonna get yelled at, so I prefer to be called Pam.
Also, since I'm Hispanic, I don't think it's normal to see Hispanic girls named Pamela, so that's a downside to my name. I also think the Spanish pronunciation sounds less harsh, at least that's what I like about my name.
Although I don't like/hate the name, I still appreciate when people compliment my name, it makes me feel better about myself but I don't mind if people think otherwise (just don't be jerks about it lol...)
I also like that the name implies "all honey and sweetness" but I feel that it makes it sound too childish. The name fits my complexion and I don't know if this is a good or bad thing... there's just so much to my name!
So, with that being said, I have mixed opinions about my name.

My father, I was told, insisted on naming me Pamela. I've always liked my first name, it's rather uncommon and different. Also the name Pamela is associated with sweetness. I love sweet!

I like the name. I haven't always, but now I appreciate the fact that it is somewhat rare.

Like others who have commented, my name is also Pamela. However, I have always used the nickname Pam. My older sister named me for a character in an English novel she was reading at the time I was born. My mother had thought to give me the name Henrietta, after my father. I have looooved the name Pam, Pamela, Pamaleela (a silly friend thought that one up), just don't call me Pammie. And, that's a personal preference, not due to any negative connotation. I am 71 years old. For me, the name is still a good one. It has aged well with me while still sounding sweet and light for a newborn or any age in between.

Whenever I hear this name, I can't help but to think of a stupid blonde bimbo sipping cocktails on a beach.

My name is Pamella and I feel it is the best name in the world, considering the fact that it is unique.

I was born in 1962 and this is my name. I don't like it, never have. I go by Pam which is of the three options, the least offensive to me. My mother never stopped calling me Pamela 75% of the time. It always pleased me when she remembered to call me Pam. I will answer if I must to Pamela, but I will correct you. I will not be at all polite if you call me Pammy. I was firm on this when I was in kindergarten... still am... and will be in the senior's home.

---

I met a 20-something Pamela recently. She loves her name. It suits her in a way I don't think it has ever suited me.

This name is so pretty.

Like another commentator above I am a Pamela Lynn. Lots of people pronounce my name, almost as a nickname type thing, as pa-Mel-a. In fact, in middle school there were a several Pam's so I ended up being called Mel. I went back to Pamela when I moved to a high school where I was the only Pam. I feel somewhat neutral towards my name. I do like Pamela better than Pam but it seems pretentious to me to ask people to use your full name. I feel like no matter how nice they are being, I always feel like they are thinking, "Well, excuuuussssse me!" Some people seem to be able to do it, but not me. As a small child I was called Pammy which is cute but certainly not appropriate past about age five. Not the name I'd chose for myself, but overall I've not been unhappy with it.

The name Pamela is definitely a classic. Most women I've known named Pamela prefer to be called 'Pam', including myself, mainly because we only heard our full name during childhood if we were in trouble. Although other women don't mind being called Pammy, I've never liked it. My Dad jokingly called me Pammy Yammy Ammy when I was four and that ended very quickly. I've also laughed hysterically at the nicknames like 'Spam the ham sandwich' or comments about how people used me while preparing dinner last night (PAM cooking spray). I'm 41 and finally proud and appreciative of the full name in which my Mother gave to me: Pamela.

I first heard the name by a girl in elementary and for years I thought it sounded harsh and didn't like it much. Now I think it's a cute name because of the character on "The Office" who goes by "Pam Beesley". The character was likeable and she made me see the name differently. Funny how that works. I like the nickname "Pam" and even "Pammy"... No I'm not biased because my name is "Sam" either.

Pamela is my name and I'm now in my 50's, too. Most of us named Pamela used the nickname Pam and it was a popular name when I was attending a large high school in the 70's; however, teachers called many of us by our last names so this was not an issue. Actually, I have always liked the meaning of my name and I think I live up to the meaning "sweet as honey". Anyone can try to be nice, but being sweet comes naturally to me. My daddy always called me "Sweet Pammy" and most of my family and closest friends have endearingly called me Pammy, too. Now, that I'm a grandmother my grandchildren call me "Grammy Pammy". Everyone likes to hear the sound of their own name being called by the ones they love the most. I'm happy to say my mother that named me Pamela Lynn will be 84 years old this year and when she calls my name I'm proud she marked me with sweetness towards all I encounter.

The name Pamela was given to 213 baby girls born in the US in 2012.

Pamela is my sister's name. She's 24. I sometimes call her Pam, although one time she told me she preferred I didn't call her that. I think the name is okay. I don't think it's pretty or special. It's just a name. Nothing unique about it.

This is my name. Personally, I hate the name. Although most people call me Pam, which I actually kind of like. I think that the name is more common with older women, which is one reason I don't like it, as I'm almost seventeen years old. All the other Pamelas I've known were in their 40's or older. Also, as a child I was teased to be known as Pamela Anderson, which is someone I really don't want to be known as. Also, my name rhymes with things like "ham" and "spam". I also think that it sounds really snotty and high-class, which doesn't suit who I am. Blech. Hate it.

I am a Pamela. I like my name quite a lot. HOWEVER, I do not care for the nickname Pam. So I say to people firmly but nicely, "I like being called Pamela or Polly" (I like both these names). They eventually get the message, and I am happy... In terms of age, please remember that all of today's middle aged and older people were once young, and all of today's young people will one day be older. Fads and fashions come and go. It is a good idea to focus on the name itself. Ageist remarks are not too bright.

It's not that it's outdated, it's that it just sounds trashy. Reminds me of Pamela Anderson, plus Pam has to be one of the ugliest nicknames in existence. Rhymes with spam and ham.

A bit outdated, but it still has a very nice meaning.

Pamela is my sister's name, and I think it's the best one my mother came up with (out of five). It's pretty and sophisticated, with great literary associations. Yes, somewhat dated, as it had its period of popularity in the past, but that doesn't make it inherently bad. I'd like to see more little Pamelas around.

Weirdly enough, I prefer the way Borat says Pamela (pa-MAY-la) to the actual pronunciation.

This name has a nice meaning, but is quite old fashioned and the p combined with m makes it quite hard to say.

How can you think that this is an ugly name, this is the prettiest name I have ever heard.

I think this is a pretty name.

I really don't like this name it's ugly and old.

Pamela is a very nice name. But I wouldn't name my daughter that for fear of people calling her PAM.

Ugly horrible name it reminds me of ugly, alcoholic, drug addicted people eeewww.

Pamela is a very Upper-Class, Urban, Sophisticated and Feminine name. It has recently become one of my favourites! =]

I don't really like this name at all. The beginning sounds quite harsh and even boyish, and I've associated this name with trashy and vapid girls and women for some time. However, my impression of this name has become less negative after reading the posts of the hilarious blogger Pam Spaulding.

I think this name is too ugly and all the Pamela's I've met were like 50 so this name was very famous in the 1950's.

Call me crazy, but it's a lovely name for a girl!

I personally like this name because it's my name. Pamela is an adorable, delicate, feminine, and high class name. It's also surprisingly rare. You hear about people who have that name but you never actually see them. I have never met or seen anyone also named Pamela except Pamela Anderson on tv. I have heard of someone with that name who works with someone I know though. Being a Pamela gets lonely so I think more people should give thier kids this classic name, but not too many otherwise it wouldn't be a classic. Make sure the kid named Pamela also has a cute and refined middle name to go with it, my first and middle name together is Pamela Caroline, it balances it out and adds more class so you seem very upperclass. I think this name is very special and anyone who shares this name with me should be very proud.

For some reason, I've always loved the name Pamela ever since I'd heard it. It really is a beautiful name.

This is my name. I hated it when I was growing up because the only other people I knew who shared my name were two of my friend's mothers. I have grown to appreciate my name now, I'm happy to have a name that is pretty without being overused.

It's my name. I used to really dislike it because there wasn't a single person I knew under 30 years old who shared the name, but it's grown on me. It's memorable, because it's become unique.

My cousin is called Pamela and she is so not "all sweetness"! She is spoilt, selfish and stuck up. And she is only six years old. Sorry, this name does nothing for me but only because of the person my cousin happens to be.

This is a great name.