What does Emily mean and where does it come from?
Emily is derived from the Latin name 'Aemilia', which comes from the root 'aemulus', meaning 'rival'. The name has been in use since the Middle Ages and became particularly prominent in England during the 18th century. Emily has been borne by numerous literary figures, such as Emily Dickinson, the r
Cultural significance
Emily has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of rival.
Peak popularity
Reached #1 in 1996 — currently #19 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Emily?
Emily works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Emily Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Emily Rose
Floral · soft ending
Emily Mae
Sweet · timeless
Emily Claire
French influence · crisp
Emily Jane
Literary · strong
Emily Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Emily right now?
Holding steady — currently #19 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #19 | 6,172 | ▼ down 2 · -5% births |
| 2022 | #17 | 6,495 | ▲ up 4 · -1% births |
| 2021 | #21 | 6,591 | ▼ down 3 · -4% births |
| 2020 | #18 | 6,856 | ▼ down 10 · -42% births |
| 2015 | #8 | 11,786 | ▼ down 2 · -17% births |
| 2010 | #6 | 14,274 | ▼ down 5 · -40% births |
| 2005 | #1 | 23,940 | stable · -8% births |
| 2000 | #1 | 25,956 | ▲ up 2 · +6% births |
| 1995 | #3 | 24,380 | ▲ up 9 · +26% births |
| 1990 | #12 | 19,364 | ▲ up 12 · +47% births |
| 1985 | #24 | 13,136 | ▲ up 7 · +46% births |
| 1980 | #31 | 9,006 | ▲ up 17 · +64% births |
| 1975 | #48 | 5,481 | ▲ up 125 · +184% births |
| 1970 | #173 | 1,931 | ▲ up 65 · +50% births |
| 1965 | #238 | 1,288 | — |
The story of Emily
Emily has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It reached the #1 spot in 1996, making it the most popular girl name in America that year. Over 867K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #100 in 1880 to #19 in 2023. Emily is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Emily in 1996:
Emily by decade
Emily peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 3,368 | |
| 1890s | 5,481 | |
| 1900s | 6,423 | |
| 1910s | 17,087 | |
| 1920s | 18,807 | |
| 1930s | 11,971 | |
| 1940s | 13,441 | |
| 1950s | 12,854 | |
| 1960s | 12,338 | |
| 1970s | 46,996 | |
| 1980s | 132,282 | |
| 1990s ★ | 237,616 | |
| 2000s | 224,082 | |
| 2010s | 117,509 | |
| 2020s | 6,866 | |
What are good nicknames for Emily?
ENGLISH
EmEmmieEmmyMillieMilly
What names sound and feel like Emily?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Emily also consider these
How is Emily written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Emily?
Common questions about the name Emily
What does the name Emily mean?
Emily means "rival" — a name rooted in English 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 Emily?
Emily is currently ranked #19 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 Emily?
Emily originates from English tradition. English 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 Emily?
Emily is a three-syllable name pronounced EH1 M IH0 L IY0. 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 Emily?
Emily pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.