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

Popularity of Emily by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Emily is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Emily being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6,154 female babies and 9 male babies born with the name Emily.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 9 baby boys were named Emily in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Emily

The name Emily has its origins in the ancient Roman Empire. It is derived from the Latin name Aemilia, which was originally a feminine form of the family name Aemilius. The Aemilii were a prominent Roman family that traced its roots back to the founding of Rome.

The name Aemilia was likely derived from the Latin word "aemulus," meaning "rival" or "eager." This suggests that the name may have been associated with ambition, competitiveness, or a desire to excel. The name's transition from Aemilia to Emily occurred through various language shifts and translations over the centuries.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Emily can be found in the writings of the Roman historian Suetonius, who lived from around 69 to 122 AD. He documented the life of a woman named Aemilia Lepida, who was a member of the Aemilian family and lived during the 1st century AD.

During the Middle Ages, the name Emily gained popularity in various parts of Europe, particularly in England and France. One notable figure was Emily of Provence (circa 1180-1213), a French noblewoman who became the queen consort of England through her marriage to King John.

In the 13th century, Emily de Vichy (born around 1220) was a French mystic and anchoress who lived a life of religious devotion and is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.

The Renaissance period saw the rise of another prominent Emily, Emily of Nassau (1540-1582). She was a Dutch noblewoman and the daughter of William the Silent, a leading figure in the Dutch struggle for independence from Spain.

In the literary realm, Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) was an American poet renowned for her unique style and profound insights. Her works, often characterized by their brevity and depth, have had a lasting impact on the world of poetry.

The name Emily has maintained its popularity throughout history and continues to be a beloved choice for parents worldwide. While its origins can be traced back to ancient Rome, the name has transcended cultural boundaries and taken on various meanings and associations over time.

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

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

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