What does Emmett mean and where does it come from?
Traditionally a male name, Emmett has increasingly been used for females as well, reflecting broader trends in gender-neutral naming. Of English origin, Emmett means 'universal' or 'truth.' It has a history of use as a surname before evolving into a given name. The name became popular among intellec
Cultural significance
Emmett has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of universal.
Peak popularity
Reached #3677 in 1925 — currently #118 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Emmett?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Emmett?
Emmett works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Emmett Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Emmett Rose
Floral · soft ending
Emmett Mae
Sweet · timeless
Emmett Claire
French influence · crisp
Emmett Jane
Literary · strong
Emmett Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Emmett right now?
Holding steady — currently #118 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #118 | 3,073 | ▼ down 3 · -7% births |
| 2022 | #115 | 3,322 | ▼ down 12 · -9% births |
| 2021 | #103 | 3,662 | ▲ up 5710 · +18210% births |
| 2020 | #5813 | 20 | ▲ up 2627 · +54% births |
| 2015 | #8440 | 13 | ▼ down 4763 · +63% births |
| 1925 | #3677 | 8 | — |
The story of Emmett
Emmett entered American naming records in 1917 and has been in use for over 107 years. A total of 62,663 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3677 in 1925 to #118 in 2023. Emmett is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Emmett in 1925:
Emmett by decade
Emmett peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 901 | |
| 1890s | 1,136 | |
| 1900s | 1,187 | |
| 1910s | 4,201 | |
| 1920s | 5,473 | |
| 1930s | 3,559 | |
| 1940s | 3,442 | |
| 1950s | 2,992 | |
| 1960s | 2,031 | |
| 1970s | 1,336 | |
| 1980s | 1,073 | |
| 1990s | 1,641 | |
| 2000s | 4,070 | |
| 2010s ★ | 26,221 | |
| 2020s | 3,400 | |
What are good nicknames for Emmett?
What names sound and feel like Emmett?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Emmett also consider these
Common questions about the name Emmett
What does the name Emmett mean?
Emmett means "Universal" — 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 Emmett?
Emmett is currently ranked #118 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 Emmett?
Emmett 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 Emmett?
Emmett is a two-syllable name pronounced EH1 M IH0 T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Emmett more of a girl or boy name?
Emmett is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.