MallowbyNames

Pama

PAH-mah · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Pema, meaning 'lotus' in Tibetan, or a diminutive of Pamela.

Peak popularity
1958
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Pama since 1945

Babies named Pama per year in U.S. Social Security records.

713201960198020002020Most births 1958Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1940s31
1950s127
1960s24
1970s0
1980s0
1990s0
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Pama is a remarkably uncommon name in the United States. First recorded in 1945, it saw its peak year in 1958, yet never ranked among the top 1000 names. Its trajectory has been stable, with minimal fluctuation. The name’s origins are obscure; it may be a modern variant of Pema, a Tibetan name meaning 'lotus', or a diminutive of Pamela, which itself was a literary invention by Sir Philip Sidney in the 16th century. With no top states showing significant usage, Pama remains a rare and distinctive choice.

Pama is a rare name of unclear derivation. It may be a modern coinage or a variant of the Tibetan name Pema, meaning 'lotus', or a diminutive of Pamela, a name invented in the 16th century by Sir Philip Sidney. Its sporadic use in the United States since 1945 suggests no strong traditional roots.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Pam, Pami

Variants: Pema, Pam

Sibling names for Pama

Names that share Pama's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Mira, Lena, Tessa, Clara, Nina

Brothers: Kai, Leo, Nico, Owen, Finn

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

P is for Pama, our favorite little girl.

P is for Pama…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Pama's letter becomes Pama's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Pama's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Pama mean?
The meaning is uncertain. It may be a variant of the Tibetan name Pema meaning 'lotus' or a short form of Pamela, a literary invention.
How popular is the name Pama?
Pama is extremely rare, with no rank in recent decades. It peaked in 1958 but never entered the top 1000.
Is Pama a boy or girl name?
Pama is primarily used for girls, though it can be unisex.