What does Emilio mean and where does it come from?
While Emilio is predominantly a male name in Spanish and Italian cultures, it is now being used as a unisex or female name in some regions. The name derives from the Latin 'Aemilius,' a Roman family name meaning 'rival' or 'emulating.' Notable individuals with the name Emilio include Emilio Estevez,
Cultural significance
Emilio has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of rival.
Peak popularity
Reached #151 in 2024 — currently #154 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spanish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Emilio?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Emilio?
Emilio works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Emilio Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Emilio John
One syllable · timeless choice
Emilio Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Emilio Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Emilio Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Emilio Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Emilio right now?
Holding steady — currently #154 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #154 | 2,397 | ▼ down 3 · +1% births |
| 2024 | #151 | 2,369 | ▲ up 30 · +18% births |
| 2023 | #181 | 2,015 | ▲ up 17 · +6% births |
| 2022 | #198 | 1,907 | ▲ up 21 · +9% births |
| 2021 | #219 | 1,743 | ▲ up 12797 · +34760% births |
| 1990 | #13016 | 5 | — |
The story of Emilio
Emilio entered American naming records in 1953 and has been in use for over 71 years. A total of 43,525 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #13016 in 1990 to #181 in 2023. Emilio is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Emilio in 2024:
Emilio by decade
Emilio peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 23 | |
| 1890s | 25 | |
| 1900s | 127 | |
| 1910s | 717 | |
| 1920s | 1,419 | |
| 1930s | 1,186 | |
| 1940s | 1,096 | |
| 1950s | 1,392 | |
| 1960s | 1,562 | |
| 1970s | 1,972 | |
| 1980s | 2,696 | |
| 1990s | 6,752 | |
| 2000s | 10,212 | |
| 2010s ★ | 12,737 | |
| 2020s | 6,375 | |
What are good nicknames for Emilio?
Famous people named Emilio
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Emilio (Latin American historical figure)
Emilio used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.
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Emilio (Spanish royal)
Emilio held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.
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Emilio (Spanish conquistador or explorer)
Emilio bore this name during the Age of Exploration, spreading it across the Americas.
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Emilio (Spanish saint)
Emilio helped establish this name across the Spanish-speaking Catholic world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Emilio?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Emilio also consider these
How is Emilio written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Emilio?
Common questions about the name Emilio
What does the name Emilio mean?
Emilio means "Rival" — a name rooted in Spanish 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 Emilio?
Emilio is currently ranked #181 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Emilio have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Emilio?
Emilio originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish 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 Emilio?
Emilio is a four-syllable name pronounced um-EE-lee-oh. 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 Emilio?
Emilio pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Spanish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.