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

Popularity of Emerald by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 376 female babies and 20 male babies born with the name Emerald.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 20 baby boys were named Emerald in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Emerald

The name Emerald originates from the gemstone of the same name, which is a bright green variety of beryl. The word "emerald" comes from the ancient Greek word "smaragdos," which was derived from the Semitic word "baraq," meaning "to shine." The earliest recorded use of the name Emerald dates back to the late 19th century when it started gaining popularity as a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries.

In ancient times, emeralds were highly prized and associated with wealth, beauty, and the revitalization of life. They were believed to have healing properties and were often worn as talismans to ward off evil spirits. The name Emerald was likely chosen for its association with these positive attributes and its connection to nature.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Emerald was Emerald Fennell, an English writer, actor, and director born in 1985. She is best known for her work on the film "Promising Young Woman," for which she won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 2021.

Another notable figure with the name Emerald was Emerald Germs (1873-1923), an American novelist and short story writer who was part of the early 20th-century literary movement known as the Chicago Renaissance. Her works often explored themes of feminism, race, and social justice.

In the world of music, Emerald Archer (1906-1984) was an American blues singer and guitarist who was active in the 1920s and 1930s. She is considered a pioneer of the classic female blues style and influenced many later artists.

Emerald Waterways (1908-1998) was a Canadian painter and sculptor known for her vibrant abstract expressionist works. Her paintings often incorporated bold colors and organic shapes, reflecting her interest in nature and the natural world.

Finally, Emerald Cunningham (1923-2012) was a British actor and singer who appeared in numerous stage productions, television shows, and films throughout her career. She was particularly known for her roles in Shakespearean plays and received critical acclaim for her performances.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who have borne the name Emerald, a name that reflects the beauty, rarity, and enduring allure of the precious gemstone from which it derives.

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 Emerald was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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