What does Emilie mean and where does it come from?
Emilie is a derivative of the name Aemilia, which is of Latin origin meaning 'rival'. The name gained traction in various cultures, particularly in France and Germany. It has several variations and has been borne by notable figures such as Emilie du Chatelet, the French mathematician and physicist.
Cultural significance
Emilie has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in French-speaking communities, where it reflects values of rival.
Peak popularity
Reached #228 in 1880 — currently #1312 in the US.
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Related Reading
French-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How popular is Emilie right now?
Rising fast — up 79 spots — currently #1312 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1312 | 170 | ▲ up 79 · +5% births |
| 2024 | #1391 | 162 | ▼ down 609 · -89% births |
| 2023 | #782 | 1,418 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #787 | 1,398 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #792 | 1,368 | ▲ up 436 · +643% births |
| 2020 | #1228 | 184 | ▼ down 361 · -43% births |
| 2015 | #867 | 321 | ▼ down 134 · -16% births |
| 2010 | #733 | 381 | ▼ down 243 · -39% births |
| 2005 | #490 | 624 | ▼ down 8 · +11% births |
| 2000 | #482 | 562 | ▲ up 24 · +17% births |
| 1995 | #506 | 482 | ▲ up 110 · +32% births |
| 1990 | #616 | 365 | ▲ up 32 · +28% births |
| 1985 | #648 | 285 | ▲ up 102 · +29% births |
| 1980 | #750 | 221 | ▼ down 38 · +7% births |
| 1975 | #712 | 207 | — |
The story of Emilie
Emilie has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 25,747 babies have received this name. Once ranked #228 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #782 in 2023. Emilie is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Emilie in 1880:
Emilie by decade
Emilie peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 553 | |
| 1890s | 759 | |
| 1900s | 532 | |
| 1910s | 1,212 | |
| 1920s | 1,329 | |
| 1930s | 1,073 | |
| 1940s | 1,092 | |
| 1950s | 748 | |
| 1960s | 553 | |
| 1970s | 1,266 | |
| 1980s | 2,651 | |
| 1990s | 4,623 | |
| 2000s ★ | 5,739 | |
| 2010s | 3,433 | |
| 2020s | 516 | |
What are good nicknames for Emilie?
ENGLISH
EmEmmieEmmyMillieMilly
Famous people named Emilie
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Emilie (French philosopher)
Emilie carried this name in the Enlightenment tradition that shaped modern Western thought.
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Emilie (French impressionist artist)
Emilie used this name in the rich tradition of French visual arts and culture.
E(
Emilie (medieval French noble)
Emilie held this name in the courts of medieval France, from which it spread across Europe with the Normans.
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Emilie (French author)
Emilie immortalized this name in French literature, one of the world's great literary traditions.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →How is Emilie written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Emilie?
Common questions about the name Emilie
What does the name Emilie mean?
Emilie means "rival" — a name rooted in French 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 Emilie?
Emilie is currently ranked #782 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 Emilie?
Emilie originates from French tradition. French 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 Emilie?
Emilie is a three-syllable name pronounced EM-ul-ee. 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 Emilie?
Emilie pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar French heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.