What does Ember mean and where does it come from?
Ember is a name that evokes images of warmth, light, and passion. It has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States and Canada. The name is often associated with the natural world and elements of fire, suggesting resilience and beauty. Emb
Cultural significance
Ember has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the glowing fragment of coal or wood in a dying fire.
Peak popularity
Reached #187 in 2020 — currently #169 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ember?
Ember works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ember Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ember Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ember Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ember Claire
French influence · crisp
Ember Jane
Literary · strong
Ember Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ember right now?
Declining — down 10 spots — currently #169 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #169 | 1,703 | ▼ down 10 · -7% births |
| 2022 | #159 | 1,833 | ▲ up 4 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #163 | 1,774 | ▲ up 24 · +17% births |
| 2020 | #187 | 1,517 | ▲ up 179 · +69% births |
| 2015 | #366 | 899 | ▲ up 456 · +176% births |
| 2010 | #822 | 326 | ▲ up 534 · +104% births |
| 2005 | #1356 | 160 | ▲ up 931 · +135% births |
| 2000 | #2287 | 68 | ▲ up 91 · +24% births |
| 1995 | #2378 | 55 | ▼ down 216 · -8% births |
| 1990 | #2162 | 60 | ▲ up 952 · +107% births |
| 1985 | #3114 | 29 | ▼ down 437 · -17% births |
| 1980 | #2677 | 35 | ▼ down 86 · +17% births |
| 1975 | #2591 | 30 | ▲ up 929 · +67% births |
| 1970 | #3520 | 18 | ▲ up 2572 · +200% births |
| 1960 | #6092 | 6 | — |
The story of Ember
Ember entered American naming records in 1946 and has been in use for over 78 years. A total of 13,342 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6092 in 1960 to #169 in 2023. Ember is used for both genders: 98% female and 2% male.
Names that peaked alongside Ember in 2020:
Ember by decade
Ember peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 8 | |
| 1950s | 17 | |
| 1960s | 71 | |
| 1970s | 285 | |
| 1980s | 463 | |
| 1990s | 629 | |
| 2000s | 1,609 | |
| 2010s ★ | 8,711 | |
| 2020s | 1,549 | |
What are good nicknames for Ember?
What names sound and feel like Ember?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ember also consider these
Common questions about the name Ember
What does the name Ember mean?
Ember means "the glowing fragment of coal or wood in a dying fire" — a name rooted in American 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 Ember?
Ember is currently ranked #169 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Ember have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Ember?
Ember originates from American tradition. American 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 Ember?
Ember is a two-syllable name pronounced EH1 M B ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Ember trending right now?
Ember is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.