📅 Since 1880🏆 76 years in top 1001.44% of births at peak
How to pronounce Emily
EM·il·ee
/ˈɛm.ɪl.iː/ · stress on EM · 3 syllables
“rival”
English origin · Girl name
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.
Holding steady — currently #19 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1880–2023#19 · Top 0.01%
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
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
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Emily
2000Rank #1
25,956
#95
↗Rising
1900 - 202328 years
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.
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.
Sibling names that pair with Emily
For a sister
Emily & Genesis♡
Emily & Hadley♡
Emily & Bryson♡
Emily & Bailey♡
For a brother
Emily & Angel♡
Emily & Christian♡
Emily & Hadley♡
Emily & Bryson♡
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