Amaryllis is a unique and beautiful feminine given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "amaryssein," which means "to sparkle" or "to shine." The name Amaryllis is also associated with the stunning red amaryllis flower, native to South Africa.
In Greek mythology, Amaryllis was a nymph who fell in love with the handsome hunter Alcaeus. To win his heart, she appeared before him every day for 30 days, dressed as a simple shepherdess. On the 31st day, Alcaeus finally noticed her and they soon became a couple. The gods were so moved by their love story that they transformed Amaryllis into the beautiful red amaryllis flower.
The name Amaryllis has been used in literature throughout history. In John Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost," one of the fallen angels is named Amaryllis. Additionally, the 19th-century French poet Alfred de Musset wrote a poem titled "Amaryllis," which tells the story of a young woman who falls in love with a shepherd.
Today, Amaryllis remains a rare and distinctive name that evokes images of beauty, love, and mythology. It is often associated with strength, courage, and perseverance, as Amaryllis demonstrated in her pursuit of Alcaeus' affection.
"The name Amaryllis experienced notable fluctuations in popularity over the years, with peaks in recent times. It started with a low of 7 births in 1926 but rose to 45 births in just one year later. The trend was volatile, oscillating between single-digit and double-digit figures until the late 1980s when it began to steadily climb again, reaching triple digits by 2012. The name's popularity has since been consistent, with over 60 births each year from 2017 onwards."