"sparkling, to flash or sparkle"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Amaryllis
Pronunciation: [ am-er-IHL-uhs ]
Girl Name
#2,708 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
4 Syllables
A sparkling Greek name that blooms like its flower
Greek
English
Latin
Whimsical
Literary
Elegant
Vintage
Earthy
Meaning & Origin
"fresh, flowing stream (alternative etymology)"
Origin: Greek pastoral
Language: Greek
The Story of Amaryllis
Amaryllis comes from the Greek "amaryssein," meaning "to sparkle" or "to flash." In ancient Greek pastoral poetry, Amaryllis was a stock name for a beautiful country girl — she appears in the idylls of Theocritus (3rd century BC) and in Virgil's Eclogues. The name also became attached to the genus of flowering plants (Amaryllis belladonna) in the 18th century, deepening its floral association.
Amaryllis has never been common as a first name in English-speaking countries, but it maintains a devoted following among parents who love classical literature and unusual floral names. Its appearance in Milton's Lycidas ("to sport with Amaryllis in the shade") kept it in literary consciousness for centuries.
In Greek pastoral tradition, Amaryllis was the archetypal beautiful shepherdess, representing rustic beauty and simplicity. The Amaryllis flower (technically Hippeastrum) has become a beloved winter holiday plant, associated with beauty and determination.
Fun Facts
- Virgil used Amaryllis as a character name in his Eclogues around 37 BC
- The Amaryllis plant was officially named in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus after the pastoral character
- Milton immortalized the name in Lycidas: "to sport with Amaryllis in the shade"
Amaryllis in Other Languages
Greek
Αμαρυλλίς
French
Amaryllis
Italian
Amarillide
Spanish
Amarilis
Portuguese
Amarílis
Famous People Named Amaryllis
A
Amaryllis Fleming
Musician
1925
British cellist, illegitimate daughter of Ian Fleming's father, known for her concert performances across Europe
A
Amaryllis (pastoral character) Fictional
Other
Beautiful shepherdess featured in Theocritus' Idylls and Virgil's Eclogues, an archetype of rustic beauty in classical l...
Beautiful shepherdess featured in Theocritus' Idylls and Virgil's Eclogues, an archetype of rustic beauty in classical literature
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #2,708
- Total SSA Count
- 64
- Cultural Origins
- Greek English Latin
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Amy
Rilly
Rillie
Mari
Pairs Well With
Amaryllis Rose
Amaryllis Jane
Amaryllis Claire
Amaryllis Wren
Amaryllis Fern
Amaryllis Elise
Amaryllis Violet
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
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Frequently Asked Questions About Amaryllis
What does the name Amaryllis mean?
"sparkling, to flash or sparkle" (from Greek). "fresh, flowing stream (alternative etymology)" (from Greek pastoral). Amaryllis comes from the Greek "amaryssein," meaning "to sparkle" or "to flash." In ancient Greek pastoral poetry, Amaryllis was a stock name for a beautiful country girl — she appears in the idylls of Theocritus (3rd century BC) and in Virgil's Eclogues. The name also became attached to the genus of flowering plants (Amaryllis belladonna) in the 18th century, deepening its floral association.
What is the origin of the name Amaryllis?
Amaryllis has Greek, Greek pastoral, English, and Latin origins. In Greek, it means "sparkling, to flash or sparkle". In Greek pastoral, it means "fresh, flowing stream (alternative etymology)".
Is Amaryllis a boy or girl name?
Amaryllis is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Amaryllis?
Amaryllis is pronounced am-er-IHL-uhs.
How popular is the name Amaryllis?
Amaryllis is currently ranked #2708 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Amaryllis?
Common nicknames for Amaryllis include Amy, Rilly, Rillie, and Mari.
What are good middle names for Amaryllis?
Popular middle name pairings include Amaryllis Rose, Amaryllis Jane, Amaryllis Claire, Amaryllis Wren, Amaryllis Fern, Amaryllis Elise, and Amaryllis Violet.
What are good sibling names for Amaryllis?
Names that pair well with Amaryllis as siblings include Persephone, Corinna, Lysander, Cressida, Oberon, and Calliope.
How many syllables does Amaryllis have?
Amaryllis has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Amaryllis a common or rare name?
Amaryllis is an uncommon name, ranked #2708 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Amaryllis
Amaryllis is a girl name with Greek, English, and Latin origins . The name means "sparkling, to flash or sparkle" in Greek .
Amaryllis is currently ranked #2,708 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Amaryllis has 4 syllables and is pronounced am-er-IHL-uhs, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Amaryllis include Amy, Rilly, Rillie, and Mari. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Amaryllis include Amara, Amari, Amaris, Amariah, Amarah . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.