Empress

“female ruler or sovereign”

English origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1774US 2023

115Births / yr

↓Falling

1.2kAll-time births

📅 Since 198600.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Empress

EMPR·es

/ˈɛmpr.ɛs/ · stress on EMPR · 2 syllables

“female ruler or sovereign”

English origin · Girl name

What does Empress mean and where does it come from?

The name Empress originates from the Latin 'imperatrix', meaning 'female ruler' or 'sovereign'. The term has historical significance, often denoting a woman of royal status who rules over an empire. Its use as a given name is rare but has gained interest in contemporary times among parents who wish

Cultural significance

Empress has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of female ruler or sovereign.

Peak popularity

Reached #1445 in 2019 — currently #1774 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Empress?

Empress works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Empress Grace

How popular is Empress right now?

Declining — down 29 spots — currently #1774 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1990–2023#1774 · Top 1.3%

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1774	115	▼ down 29 · -3% births
2022	#1745	119	▼ down 46 · -2% births
2021	#1699	122	▼ down 125 · -8% births
2020	#1574	133	▲ up 1124 · +102% births
2015	#2698	66	▲ up 1553 · +89% births
2010	#4251	35	▲ up 3443 · +133% births
2005	#7694	15	▼ down 2766 · -37% births
2000	#4928	24	▲ up 9686 · +380% births
1995	#14614	5	▼ down 8172 · -64% births
1990	#6442	14	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Empress

Best Year2020Rank #1574

Peak Count133

Average Rank#4742

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1990 - 202310 years

The story of Empress

Empress is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1986. With 1,207 total births recorded, Empress remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6442 in 1990 to #1774 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Empress in 2019:

Olivia Emma Ava Sophia Isabella

Empress by decade

Empress peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1980s	10
1990s	109
2000s	230
2010s ★	725
2020s	133

💎With 1,207 total births, Empress is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Empress?

Common

Emp

What names sound and feel like Empress?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Empress also consider these

English · A English name

Tempress

American · Derived from 'tempest',

Empriss

American · A variation of

Impress

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Eiress

English · heir or heiress

Tempess

American · an adaptation of

Common questions about the name Empress

What does the name Empress mean?

Empress means "female ruler or sovereign" — 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 Empress?

Empress is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Empress?

Empress 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 Empress?

Empress is a two-syllable name pronounced EH1 M P R EH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Empress a common or rare name?

Empress is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.