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

Popularity of Emir by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 490 male babies and 5 female babies born with the name Emir.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 5 baby girls were named Emir in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Emir

The name Emir has its origins in the Arabic language, and it can be traced back to the early Islamic period in the Middle East. The term "emir" initially referred to a commander or ruler, derived from the Arabic word "amara," meaning "to command."

In the early days of Islam, the title of "emir" was bestowed upon military leaders and provincial governors who governed various regions on behalf of the caliph, the supreme religious and political leader of the Muslim world. Over time, the term evolved to encompass various ranks of nobility and aristocracy within the Islamic world.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Emir can be found in historical accounts from the 7th century AD, during the reign of the Rashidun Caliphate, the first Islamic caliphate established after the death of Prophet Muhammad. Notable figures bearing this name include Emir Abd al-Rahman I (788-855), the founder of the Umayyad Caliphate in Cordoba, Spain.

In the subsequent centuries, the name Emir became associated with numerous influential rulers and leaders across the Islamic world. For example, Emir Timur (1336-1405), also known as Tamerlane, was a renowned Turko-Mongol conqueror who established the Timurid Empire, which spanned modern-day Central Asia, Iran, and parts of India.

Another significant historical figure with the name Emir was Emir Abdelkader (1808-1883), an Algerian religious leader, political and military leader who led a resistance movement against the French colonial forces in the 19th century. He is widely regarded as a hero in Algeria and is celebrated for his military prowess and commitment to Islamic principles.

In the Ottoman Empire, the title of "emir" was often bestowed upon members of the imperial family or high-ranking officials. One notable example is Emir Suleiman Pasha (1836-1892), an Ottoman statesman and military commander who served as the Grand Vizier (prime minister) during the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz.

Emir Ali Pasha (1815-1871) was an influential Ottoman statesman and diplomat who played a crucial role in the modernization and reform efforts of the Ottoman Empire during the 19th century. He served as the Grand Vizier and is remembered for his efforts to promote education and implement administrative reforms.

Throughout history, the name Emir has been associated with leadership, authority, and nobility within the Islamic world, reflecting its roots as a title bestowed upon rulers and commanders. While its usage may have evolved over time, the name continues to carry a sense of prestige and historical significance.

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

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

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