Find out how popular the first name Ember has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Ember by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Ember is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 98% of people named Ember being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,696 female babies and 40 male babies born with the name Ember.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 40 baby boys were named Ember in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Ember

The name Ember has its origins in the English language and is derived from the Old English word "æmyrian," meaning "to burn in ashes." This connection to fire and burning embers gives the name a unique and evocative meaning.

In Old English literature, the word "æmyrian" was used to describe the burning of materials, such as wood or coal, until they were reduced to glowing embers. The name Ember likely emerged as a way to capture this vivid imagery and associate it with a person.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Ember can be found in the 16th century. Ember Halliday was a prominent English merchant who lived in London during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. He was known for his successful trading ventures and philanthropic contributions to the city.

In the 17th century, Ember Wilkins was a notable English botanist and naturalist. She wrote extensively on the flora and fauna of the English countryside and is credited with discovering several new plant species.

During the 18th century, Ember Nightingale was a celebrated English opera singer who performed at the Theatre Royal in London. Her powerful voice and captivating stage presence earned her widespread acclaim and admiration from audiences across Europe.

In the 19th century, Ember Browning was a renowned English poet and author. Her works often explored themes of love, nature, and the human condition. She is considered one of the most influential poets of the Victorian era.

Another notable figure with the name Ember was Ember Radcliffe, an English suffragette who fought tirelessly for women's right to vote in the early 20th century. She was a powerful orator and activist, and her efforts contributed to the eventual passage of the Representation of the People Act in 1918.

While the name Ember has its roots in Old English, it has gained popularity in recent years as a unique and meaningful choice for baby names. Its connection to fire and burning embers gives it a sense of strength, passion, and warmth, making it an attractive option for parents seeking a distinctive and evocative name for their child.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Ember was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Ember, please contact us.

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