UK girl's name
Amela
A feminine name of Arabic origin meaning "to hope or wish".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2023. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Amela is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Amela popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2023 in this profile. In that release it ranked #3598, with 6 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2013, with 7 births.
This profile covers 70 England and Wales registrations across 16 recorded years from 2001 to 2023. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
The latest count is about 86% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 70 living people in the UK are called Amela. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2024 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Amela ranked #3598 for girls in England and Wales in 2023, with 6 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2013, when 7 girls were registered as Amela.
- • About 70 living people in the UK are estimated to have Amela as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#3598
2023
Births in 2023
6
Latest year
Peak year
2013
7 births
Estimated living
70
2026
Meaning
What does Amela mean?
The name Amela is believed to have originated from the Arabic language, with its roots traced back to the 7th century CE. In Arabic, the name is derived from the word "aml," meaning "hope" or "aspiration." It is a feminine name that has been borne by individuals across various cultures and regions influenced by the Arabic language and Islamic traditions.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Amela can be found in the writings of medieval Islamic scholars, where it was occasionally mentioned as a name for women. However, it did not gain widespread popularity until the late medieval period, particularly in regions under the influence of the Ottoman Empire.
During the Ottoman era, which spanned from the 13th to the early 20th century, the name Amela became more prevalent among the Muslim population in the Balkans, parts of Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. It was often associated with individuals who possessed qualities of hope, optimism, and perseverance.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Amela. One of the earliest recorded individuals was Amela al-Dimashqiya (1163-1242), a renowned Arab poet and literary scholar from Damascus. Her works, which explored themes of love, spirituality, and the human condition, were widely celebrated during her lifetime and continue to be studied and appreciated today.
Another prominent figure was Amela Hurić (1901-1988), a Bosnian writer and activist who played a significant role in promoting women's rights and education in the former Yugoslavia. Her novels and essays shed light on the struggles and aspirations of women in the region, and she was recognized for her contributions to Bosnian literature.
In the field of music, Amela Bajgorić (born 1985) is a contemporary Bosnian singer and songwriter who has gained international acclaim for her powerful vocals and emotionally-charged compositions. Her music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-empowerment, resonating with audiences across the Balkans and beyond.
Amela Terzić (1948-1986) was a Serbian actress known for her roles in several popular Yugoslav films and television series during the 1970s and 1980s. Her performances were widely praised for their depth and emotional range, and she is remembered as one of the most talented actors of her generation.
Finally, Amela Kadribašić (born 1968) is a Bosnian-American entrepreneur and philanthropist who has made significant contributions to the development of sustainable and socially responsible businesses. Her efforts in promoting ethical practices and supporting community initiatives have earned her recognition both in the United States and internationally.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Amela over time
The chart below shows babies named Amela registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 2001 to 2023. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Amela, the clearest high point is 2013. The latest England and Wales figure is 6 births in 2023, compared with 7 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Amela by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Amela was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | #4687 | 17 | 4 |
| 2010s | #4477 | 37 | 8 |
| 2000s | #3926 | 16 | 4 |
Related
Names similar to Amela
- Amelia 94,830
- Ava 54,556
- Amy 52,495
- Alice 46,815
- Abigail 45,658
- Amber 31,922
- Anna 27,802
- Alexandra 19,455
- Amelie 18,051
- Abbie 15,971
- Aimee 15,158
- Annabelle 15,120
FAQ
Amela: questions and answers
How popular is the name Amela in the UK right now?
In 2023, Amela was ranked #3598 for girls in England and Wales, with 6 births registered.
When was Amela most popular?
The peak year on record was 2013, with 7 babies registered as Amela in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Amela?
A feminine name of Arabic origin meaning "to hope or wish".
How many people are called Amela in the UK?
A total of 70 babies have been registered as Amela across the 16 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.