Emer

“swift” — Represents a conn

Irish origin · Unisex name

♂ 25% boys♀ 75% girls

#1449US 2023

751Births / yr

→Stable

102All-time births

📅 Since 188800

How to pronounce Emer

EM·AHR

/ˈɛm.ˈɑr/ · stress on EM · 2 syllables

“swift”

Represents a conn · Irish origin

What does Emer mean and where does it come from?

Emer is an Irish name (Éimear) which denotes someone who is 'swift' or 'quick.' In Irish mythology, Emer was a legendary figure, the wife of the hero Cúchulainn. The name has a strong presence in Irish folklore and culture and has gained popularity outside of Ireland. The name also represents a conn

Cultural significance

Emer has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of swift.

Peak popularity

Reached #1306 in 1890 — currently #1449 in the US.

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How else can you spell Emer?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Emer?

Emer works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Emer Grace

How popular is Emer right now?

Holding steady — currently #1449 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1890–2023#1449 · Top 1.1%

1890

1900

2000

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1449	751	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1454	731	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2021	#1459	701	▲ up 11755 · +11583% births
2000	#13214	6	▼ down 11401
1900	#1813	6	▼ down 507
1890	#1306	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Emer

Best Year2023Rank #1449

Peak Count751

Average Rank#3878

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1900 - 20235 years

The story of Emer

Emer has been a beloved American name for over 136 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1888. With 102 total births recorded, Emer remains relatively uncommon. Emer is used for both genders: 75% female and 25% male.

Names that peaked alongside Emer in 1890:

Mary Anna Elizabeth Margaret Emma

Emer by decade

Emer peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	5
1890s	11
1900s	11
1910s	10
1920s	21
1990s	16
2000s ★	28

💎Emer has only 102 total recorded births since 1888 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Emer?

Common

EmEmieEmy

Famous people named Emer

Emer (Irish poet or writer)

Emer used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.

Emer (Irish revolutionary)

Emer carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.

Emer (traditional Irish musician)

Emer passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.

Emer (Celtic chieftain)

Emer bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Emer?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Emer also consider these

Emmer

American · Derived from the

Ember

American · the glowing fragment

Emem

Nigeria · Efik

Emek

Germanic · A Germanic name

Emel

Turkish · suitable for being

American · Derived from 'helm'

How is Emer written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Emer

What does the name Emer mean?

Emer means "swift" — a name rooted in Irish 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 Emer?

Emer is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Emer?

Emer originates from Irish tradition. Irish 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 Emer?

Emer is a two-syllable name pronounced EH1 M AA1 R. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Emer a common or rare name?

Emer is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.