Amalia is a Germanic name, also with Latin influences. It is based on the word amal, "work." In English-speaking countries it is very rare; it is sometimes confused with the more common Emily (from the Latin name Aemila, which probably derives from the word for rival.) It is also sometimes used as a variant spelling of Amelia, which is actually a made up name. It was coined by 18th century author Henry Fielding as a name for a fictional heroine; and is actually a composite of Emilia and Amalia.