Amarylis as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Amarylis

What is the meaning of the name Amarylis ?

The baby name Amarylis is a Female name , 4 syllables long and is pronounced /ˌæməˈrɪlɪs/ (am-uh-RIL-iss).

Amarylis is Greek in Origin.

Amarylis is a streamlined variant of Amaryllis, ultimately from Ancient Greek Amarullis, likely derived from amarýssō ‘to sparkle, to shine.’ The name entered European awareness through Hellenistic and Roman pastoral poetry: Theocritus and Virgil both used Amaryllis for an idealized shepherdess. In the 18th century, Linnaeus gave the striking belladonna lily the genus name Amaryllis, cementing the floral association; the blossom later came to symbolize radiant beauty and proud strength, deepening the name’s meaning.

Usage as a given name appears sporadically in English from the 1600s, peaking modestly alongside other floral names in the Victorian era and remaining rare but recognizable today. Variants include Amaryllis (standard English), Amarilis (Spanish/Portuguese), Amarilys (Hispanic), and Amarylise or Amaryllise (French-influenced). Possible nicknames are Amy, Mari, Rylis, and Lissy. Overall, Amarylis blends classical glow with botanical elegance, conveying the sense of ‘shining one’.