Emi

“Beautiful blessing”

Japan origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1137US 2023

213Births / yr

↑Rising

3.2kAll-time births

📅 Since 191600.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Emi

e-mee

/e-mee/ · · 2 syllables

“Beautiful blessing”

Japan origin · Girl name

What does Emi mean and where does it come from?

Emi (恵美) is a Japanese given name that combines '恵' (e), meaning 'blessing' or 'favor', and '美' (mi), meaning 'beauty'. The name has variations in kanji, which can change the meaning slightly, depending on the characters used. Emi has been a popular name in Japan since the late 20th century and is c

Cultural significance

Emi has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japan-speaking communities, where it reflects values of beautiful blessing.

Peak popularity

Reached #1228 in 2014 — currently #1137 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Emi?

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

Emi Grace

How popular is Emi right now?

Rising fast — up 53 spots — currently #1137 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#1137 · Top 0.84%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1137	213	▲ up 53 · +5% births
2022	#1190	202	▲ up 105 · +15% births
2021	#1295	175	▲ up 59 · +9% births
2020	#1354	160	▲ up 46 · -4% births
2015	#1400	167	▲ up 430 · +50% births
2010	#1830	111	▲ up 850 · +76% births
2005	#2680	63	▼ down 36 · +13% births
2000	#2644	56	▲ up 2232 · +180% births
1995	#4876	20	▲ up 26 · +5% births
1990	#4902	19	▼ down 739
1985	#4163	19	▼ down 1706 · -51% births
1980	#2457	39	▲ up 1749 · +160% births
1975	#4206	15	▲ up 1744 · +88% births
1970	#5950	8	▼ down 1638 · -20% births
1965	#4312	10	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Emi

Best Year2023Rank #1137

Peak Count213

Average Rank#3356

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1920 - 202319 years

The story of Emi

Emi entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. With 3,201 total births recorded, Emi remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5425 in 1920 to #1137 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Emi in 2014:

Emma Olivia Sophia Isabella Ava

Emi by decade

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

Decade	Births
1910s	16
1920s	37
1930s	10
1940s	10
1950s	19
1960s	48
1970s	140
1980s	257
1990s	279
2000s	706
2010s ★	1,519
2020s	160

💎With 3,201 total births, Emi is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Emi?

Common

EmEmieEmy

What names sound and feel like Emi?

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

Remi

France · French

Lemi

English · A meaningful name

Germanic · A Germanic name

Emmi

Germanic · A diminutive form

How is Emi written in other languages?

恵美, 絵美, etc.

Japanese Kanji

Common questions about the name Emi

What does the name Emi mean?

Emi means "Beautiful blessing" — a name rooted in Japan 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 Emi?

Emi is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Emi have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Emi?

Emi originates from Japan tradition. Japan names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Emi trending right now?

Emi is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.

Is Emi a common or rare name?

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