Amarylis is a unique and elegant name of Greek origin. It means "the unwithering flower" in Greek, which is derived from the Greek words "amarantos" meaning unfading or unwilting, and "lēiron" meaning lily. The name Amarylis was popularized by French poet Jean de La Fontaine in his fable "The Lily and the Rose," where he chose it to represent the lily's beauty and resilience.
Throughout history, the lily has been a symbol of purity, grace, and wealth in many cultures. In Greek mythology, Hera, the queen of the gods, was said to have worn lilies in her hair. In Egyptian culture, the lily was associated with the goddess Isis, who represented fertility and motherhood. The lily also played an important role in ancient Chinese art and literature, often representing beauty, wealth, and a happy life.
The name Amarylis is not very common today, but it has been used throughout history by various historical figures, such as Amaryllis von Stockar, a Swiss painter from the 18th century. The name also appears in several works of literature, most notably in the epic poem "Paradise Lost" by John Milton, where it is the name of one of Eve's companions.
In conclusion, the name Amarylis is a beautiful and meaningful choice with a rich history dating back to ancient Greece. It represents resilience, grace, and purity, making it an excellent option for parents looking for a unique and elegant name for their child.
The name Amarylis has been given to a total of 140 babies in the United States since 1928. Although it was not very popular during most of the 20th century, with only a few births recorded each year, there were a few notable spikes in popularity in recent years.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the name Amarylis saw a brief surge in popularity, with nine babies named Amarylis born in 1990 alone. This trend continued into the late 2000s and early 2010s, with ten babies given the name in 2011.
Interestingly, despite these fluctuations, the number of babies named Amarylis has remained relatively consistent over time. Between 2015 and 2023, there were five births recorded each year.
Overall, while the name Amarylis may not be one of the most popular or well-known names in the United States, it has been chosen by a notable number of parents for their daughters over the past century.