What does Emalee mean and where does it come from?
Emalee is a variant of Emily, which originates from the Roman family name Aemilius, meaning 'rival.' In Hebrew, it conveys a sense of eagerness and diligence. This name has remained popular in various forms over the centuries and has a timeless appeal. Variants of Emalee can be found across cultures
Cultural significance
Emalee has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of rival.
Peak popularity
Reached #1031 in 2005 — currently #6022 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Emalee?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Emalee?
Emalee works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Emalee Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Emalee Rose
Floral · soft ending
Emalee Mae
Sweet · timeless
Emalee Claire
French influence · crisp
Emalee Jane
Literary · strong
Emalee Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Emalee right now?
Falling — down 815 spots — currently #6022 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #6022 | 20 | ▼ down 815 · -20% births |
| 2022 | #5207 | 25 | ▼ down 1024 · -26% births |
| 2021 | #4183 | 34 | ▲ up 553 · +26% births |
| 2020 | #4736 | 27 | ▼ down 2877 · -75% births |
| 2015 | #1859 | 110 | ▼ down 249 · -18% births |
| 2010 | #1610 | 134 | ▼ down 579 · -43% births |
| 2005 | #1031 | 234 | ▲ up 487 · +95% births |
| 2000 | #1518 | 120 | ▲ up 390 · +64% births |
| 1995 | #1908 | 73 | ▲ up 908 · +78% births |
| 1990 | #2816 | 41 | ▲ up 1690 · +141% births |
| 1985 | #4506 | 17 | ▲ up 2412 · +89% births |
| 1980 | #6918 | 9 | ▲ up 403 · +29% births |
| 1975 | #7321 | 7 | — |
The story of Emalee
Emalee entered American naming records in 1918 and has been in use for over 106 years. With 3,697 total births recorded, Emalee remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7321 in 1975 to #6022 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Emalee in 2005:
Emalee by decade
Emalee peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 11 | |
| 1920s | 19 | |
| 1930s | 5 | |
| 1940s | 21 | |
| 1960s | 6 | |
| 1970s | 23 | |
| 1980s | 189 | |
| 1990s | 756 | |
| 2000s ★ | 1,700 | |
| 2010s | 940 | |
| 2020s | 27 | |
💎With 3,697 total births, Emalee is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Emalee?
ENGLISH
EmEmmieEmmyMillieMilly
What names sound and feel like Emalee?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Emalee also consider these
How is Emalee written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Emalee?
Common questions about the name Emalee
What does the name Emalee mean?
Emalee means "rival" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Emalee?
Emalee is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Emalee?
Emalee originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Emalee?
Emalee is a three-syllable name pronounced IY1 M AH0 L IY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Emalee?
Emalee pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.