Emerson

“son of Emery”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 52% boys♀ 48% girls

#161US 2023

1.8kBirths / yr

↑Rising

51.6kAll-time births

📅 Since 199300.11% of births at peak

How to pronounce Emerson

EM·er·sun

/ˈɛm.ɝ.sən/ · stress on EM · 3 syllables

“son of Emery”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Emerson mean and where does it come from?

Originally a surname, Emerson has become increasingly popular as a first name for females in recent years, particularly in the United States. The name is of Old English origin and historically it meant 'Son of Emery', with Emery itself derived from the Old German name 'Emmerich'. The name's appeal m

Cultural significance

Emerson has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of emery.

Peak popularity

Reached #143 in 2018 — currently #161 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Emerson?

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

Emmerson

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Emerson?

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

Emerson Grace

How popular is Emerson right now?

Rising — up 8 spots — currently #161 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1995–2023#161 · Top 0.12%

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#161	1,771	▲ up 8 · +3% births
2022	#169	1,724	▼ down 2 · -1% births
2021	#167	1,743	▼ down 12 · -2% births
2020	#155	1,774	▲ up 25 · -1% births
2015	#180	1,792	▲ up 136 · +78% births
2010	#316	1,009	▲ up 126 · +48% births
2005	#442	683	▲ up 927 · +402% births
2000	#1369	136	▲ up 4318 · +750% births
1995	#5687	16	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Emerson

Best Year2020Rank #155

Peak Count1,792

Average Rank#961

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1995 - 20239 years

The story of Emerson

Emerson is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1993. A total of 51,617 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5687 in 1995 to #161 in 2023. Emerson is used for both genders: 48% female and 52% male.

Names that peaked alongside Emerson in 2018:

Emma Olivia Ava Isabella Sophia

Emerson by decade

Emerson peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	185
1890s	194
1900s	321
1910s	1,751
1920s	2,139
1930s	1,237
1940s	1,094
1950s	945
1960s	760
1970s	680
1980s	859
1990s	1,681
2000s	9,966
2010s ★	26,763
2020s	3,042

What are good nicknames for Emerson?

Common

EmeEmEmieEmyErson

What names sound and feel like Emerson?

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

American · variants of Emerson,

Emyrson

American · Son of Emery.

Emersen

American · Son of Emery

Enerson

English · A English name

Everson

English · son of Ever

Ederson

Brazil · Portuguese

How is Emerson written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Emerson

What does the name Emerson mean?

Emerson means "son of Emery" — 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 Emerson?

Emerson is currently ranked #161 in the United States 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 Emerson?

Emerson 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 Emerson?

Emerson is a three-syllable name pronounced EH1 M ER0 S AH0 N. 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 Emerson?

Emerson pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.