What does Emilee mean and where does it come from?
Emilee is a variation of the name Emily, which has roots in both Latin and Old French. The name Emily has historically been popular in many English-speaking countries and is derived from the Latin name 'Aemilia', which means 'rival', and a derivative of 'aemulus'. The spelling 'Emilee' is a modern a
Cultural significance
Emilee has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of rival.
Peak popularity
Reached #304 in 2003 — currently #1867 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How popular is Emilee right now?
Falling — down 164 spots — currently #1867 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1867 | 106 | ▼ down 164 · -12% births |
| 2024 | #1703 | 120 | ▼ down 327 · -85% births |
| 2023 | #1376 | 824 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1381 | 804 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1386 | 774 | ▼ down 374 · +213% births |
| 2020 | #1012 | 247 | ▼ down 426 · -52% births |
| 2015 | #586 | 515 | ▼ down 112 · -19% births |
| 2010 | #474 | 638 | ▼ down 140 · -33% births |
| 2005 | #334 | 954 | ▼ down 1 · +2% births |
| 2000 | #333 | 931 | ▲ up 34 · +31% births |
| 1995 | #367 | 713 | ▲ up 220 · +82% births |
| 1990 | #587 | 392 | ▲ up 237 · +98% births |
| 1985 | #824 | 198 | ▲ up 422 · +89% births |
| 1980 | #1246 | 105 | ▲ up 144 · +38% births |
| 1975 | #1390 | 76 | — |
The story of Emilee
Emilee entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. A total of 23,289 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3874 in 1920 to #1376 in 2023. Emilee is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Emilee in 2003:
Emilee by decade
Emilee peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 33 | |
| 1920s | 57 | |
| 1930s | 73 | |
| 1940s | 89 | |
| 1950s | 68 | |
| 1960s | 67 | |
| 1970s | 509 | |
| 1980s | 2,049 | |
| 1990s | 6,573 | |
| 2000s ★ | 8,819 | |
| 2010s | 4,705 | |
| 2020s | 473 | |
What are good nicknames for Emilee?
ENGLISH
EmEmmieEmmyMillieMilly
How is Emilee written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Emilee?
Common questions about the name Emilee
What does the name Emilee mean?
Emilee means "Rival" — 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 Emilee?
Emilee 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 Emilee?
Emilee 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 Emilee?
Emilee is a three-syllable name pronounced em-EE-LEE. 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 Emilee?
Emilee 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.