What does Emmanuel mean and where does it come from?
Emmanuel (עִמָּנוּאֵל) is a classic name with a rich history, primarily in Hebrew tradition, where it signifies God's presence among people. Although traditionally a male name, it has recently seen usage as a female given name as well. The name has been well-established in various cultures and is of
Cultural significance
Emmanuel has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god is with us..
Peak popularity
Reached #4570 in 1986 — currently #173 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Emmanuel?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Emmanuel?
Emmanuel works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Emmanuel Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Emmanuel Rose
Floral · soft ending
Emmanuel Mae
Sweet · timeless
Emmanuel Claire
French influence · crisp
Emmanuel Jane
Literary · strong
Emmanuel Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Emmanuel right now?
Holding steady — currently #173 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #173 | 2,105 | ▼ down 3 · -5% births |
| 2022 | #170 | 2,217 | ▲ up 21 · +12% births |
| 2021 | #191 | 1,983 | ▲ up 14879 · +39560% births |
| 2020 | #15070 | 5 | ▼ down 531 · -17% births |
| 2015 | #14539 | 6 | ▼ down 4723 · -45% births |
| 2010 | #9816 | 11 | ▲ up 6734 · +120% births |
| 2005 | #16550 | 5 | ▼ down 8488 · -58% births |
| 2000 | #8062 | 12 | ▲ up 68 · +20% births |
| 1995 | #8130 | 10 | ▲ up 3354 · +67% births |
| 1990 | #11484 | 6 | ▼ down 6811 · -62% births |
| 1985 | #4673 | 16 | — |
The story of Emmanuel
Emmanuel is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1978. A total of 80,917 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4673 in 1985 to #173 in 2023. Emmanuel is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Emmanuel in 1986:
Emmanuel by decade
Emmanuel peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 5 | |
| 1900s | 19 | |
| 1910s | 229 | |
| 1920s | 351 | |
| 1930s | 332 | |
| 1940s | 393 | |
| 1950s | 788 | |
| 1960s | 1,219 | |
| 1970s | 2,161 | |
| 1980s | 9,865 | |
| 1990s | 14,264 | |
| 2000s | 23,611 | |
| 2010s ★ | 25,233 | |
| 2020s | 2,447 | |
What are good nicknames for Emmanuel?
Famous people named Emmanuel
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Emmanuel (historical community leader)
Emmanuel led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
E(
Emmanuel (historical community leader)
Emmanuel led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Emmanuel?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Emmanuel also consider these
How is Emmanuel written in other languages?
עִמָּנוּאֵל
Ancient Hebrew
Gender variants of Emmanuel
Common questions about the name Emmanuel
What does the name Emmanuel mean?
Emmanuel means "God is with us." — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Emmanuel?
Emmanuel is currently ranked #173 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 Emmanuel?
Emmanuel originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew 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 Emmanuel?
Emmanuel is a four-syllable name pronounced EH1 M AH0 N UW1 EH1 L. 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 Emmanuel?
Emmanuel pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.